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The Following Month Ahead Horoscopes Were Found:

1st February 2003 - 28th February 2003
While in February the key alignments illuminate finances and the material aspects of life, there is an equally strong focus on personal issues and romance. Venus in Capricorn increases your capacity for beauty and harmony: this may be reflected in a heavy bout of retail therapy, a revamping of your image or by making your surroundings more attractive. This planet�s passage through your sign will also increase your desire for love and reciprocity. And since this Valentine�s Day you will have the added benefit of Venus in your sign there could be some happy romantic developments to look forward to. Indeed, this is quite the month for Capricorn nuptials and for meeting new partners.

There is a but - isn�t there always! - and this month it comes in the form of a series of powerful aspects that reach exactitude between the 16th and 22nd. These alignments will affect the whole zodiac, of course - you haven�t been singled out - so you will not necessarily experience any significant developments around this time but you can expect to be impressed, if not amazed, by what happens to other people. Technically, the area of finances takes the full weight of these mid-to-late February influences so while winning the lottery cannot be entirely ruled out it is more likely that a cash-flow crisis develops or there are some other events that affect your income or your investments. Certainly, this period of the month would be an ideal time to get rid of a financial burden or to negotiate a new system of borrowing/a new salary structure.

Until Mars enters your sign (4th March) you may not be in possession of the full facts. I�m not saying that people will deliberately conceal information from you but perhaps because you are preoccupied with other concerns an anomaly will be overlooked. There is also the possibility that an organization is making plans that it does not want to reveal until those plans are completely formulated. Especially between the 12th and the 22nd, do your research and don�t be fobbed off by vague comments or promises. Likewise, take a little more care with your health and well-being --you�re extra sensitive in February and require industrial quantities of TLC (tender loving care).

1st January 2003 - 31st January 2003
The year opens with a new moon in your sign. (Well, almost - to be precise the new moon occurs on the 2nd.) A new moon symbolizes a fresh start so this year you have all the astrological big guns aimed at setting you off on a brand new course. Paradoxically, Mercury - the planet of movement and information - immediately heads off in reverse so any brand new beginnings may take until the end of the month to truly reveal themselves! More to the point, you will have to build in to your plans some ditherings, delays and detours.

Thanks to Uranus the first twelve days of the month are full of surprises - and since Uranus is located in the financial area of your horoscope you may have to demonstrate even more caution than usual with money matters. If a financial opportunity suddenly presents itself, do not be pressurized into making a snap decision. On the other hand, if you notice an error or sense that all is not well with a financial agreement, take immediate steps.

On the 7th and 17th respectively Venus and Mars head into the secluded twelfth house. This may have the effect of distancing you from a loved one or putting your feelings on ice. Especially with Venus in this position (until 4th February) you can expect a climate of extreme strangeness to be operating in affairs of the heart. Therefore this is not the ideal period in which to declare your feelings or make any finite decisions on a relationship.

Also in regard to relationships the full moon of the 18th has the capacity to close a romantic or business chapter - not necessarily to completely end a relationship but to enable you to weigh up the balance between its pros and cons. After which you can decide whether to take the relationship further or to phase it out.

On the 23rd Mercury gets back on track and in tandem you get some responses to your questions. However, there is still an element of mystery and secrecy to cope with so do not assume that you have the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

1st March 2003 - 31st March 2003
Have you been asleep since the start of the year? Hardly, I guess. But with the entry of feisty Mars into your sign on the 4th you may be about to get a wake-up call. Now, before you take umbrage, let me elaborate. Mars stirs you into action so, if you have been politely waiting for someone else to make a decision or calculating that it is better to feign indifference than reveal your ambitions and desires, you�ll shortly be changing your tactics. Sometimes you have to go for something with all guns blazing and while you shouldn�t risk life, limb and your entire portfolio it will pay to be forceful and single-minded. Your opponents and detractors have been warned!

For much of the month the sun and Mercury will be transiting the area of travel and communications therefore this is a period when you should be prepared to go the distance, both in literal terms and figuratively speaking. You may also be dealing with aspects of transportation, whether this implies the car is due for a service or you will be looking at new ways to get from A to B. Indeed, travel and communications get the best and the worst of the influences in March. On the plus side, the powerful configuration of the 8th - 18th could reveal problems with machinery or flaws in endeavours. And while you may be able to fix the problem, it could be that the time has come to abandon a project or association and look to new opportunities. Certainly, during the mid-month period you should take any threats or promises seriously and you can expect actions to have profound and long-lasting consequences.

On the 21st the sun reaches the base of your solar chart, thus beginning a new six-month cycle - one in which you can lay new foundations for the future. And from the 21st you should find that life lightens up considerably.

1st April 2003 - 30th April 2003
Hopefully, it won�t take beyond the first week of April for you to realize that things can and do get better. We are at the start of the astrological year - well, technically, this happens on the 20/21st March when the sun enters Aries - so there is a pioneering and fresh feel to life. And as the sun begins its climb up to the top of your solar chart, you should sense that you, in tandem, are putting the past behind you and embarking on a new chapter.

This theme of new chapters is further enforced by the new moon (1st) and the full moon (16th). First and foremost any fresh starts are likely to be experienced in the domestic arena: April could find you looking for a new home, welcoming a new member of the family or simply taking the opportunity for a massive spring-clean. Certainly, with Easter falling between the 18th and 21st you have a wonderful opportunity to patch up any family war-wounds and to regain a feeling of family unity.

If there is a thundercloud to contend with in this otherwise sunny month, it�s probably going to appear between the 11th and 18th: communications and travel could be the principle reason for any change in plan or any rise in your blood pressure (!) so if you are travelling then or meeting with people/exchanging information, allow plenty of time and prepare to compromise.

Until the 21st Mars will be in your sign and since this planet is all about action and assertiveness, you won�t lack for astrological push. On the other hand, you will need to watch that your enthusiasm doesn�t turn into brute force on occasion. Mars is also noted for its ability to reveal your enemies and to create opposition, so you must balance your new-found resolve and energy with the possibility that someone, or some organization, may be bigger than you!

Nevertheless, April is not a �bad� month: in fact, it could be the best month of the year so far.

1st May 2003 - 31st May 2003
When planets move through the fifth house of your solar chart, you get time off for good behaviour - you can allow yourself some pleasure and fun. Well, that�s the theory at least. This area of the horoscope is certainly the most creative and self-expressive so you tend to gain more satisfaction and fulfilment from your labours. And speaking of labours! the eclipsed full moon of the 16th brings to an end a gestation period, so although not every Capricorn will be bringing a baby into the world, new life in the form of ideas, activities, interests and relationships should be springing into being.

Certainly, you should endeavour to lighten up in May - problems aren�t solved by being miserable about the status-quo; often a cheerful attitude goes a long way to curing them. Other people will be far more supportive and likely to come on-side if they see your happy face. Aside from this month being an optimum one for holidays or taking part in productions and gatherings, you should begin to see just how important your input is to other people.

So far so good. May�s biggest challenge comes in the form of retrograde Mercury and a heavy Neptunian presence, both of which tend to slow down the wheels of commerce and communications. Both also encourage a trend for dis-information. Thus, you cannot take information at face value, nor can you necessarily trust what big organizations tell you. Finances are particularly vulnerable to the Neptune effect, so you should be extra careful when committing money in the long-term or banking on moneys coming to you in the future. Once Mercury goes direct (20th) you�ll be able to see the wood for the trees but before that time you will need to closely watch your money and valuables.

Two eclipses could also make May a month to remember, whether these mark special anniversaries or social occasions or because out of the blue events alter your sights in some way. If you meet someone around the time of these eclipses (16th and 31st) you can be sure he or she will have a huge part to play in your life. Likewise, decisions made and actions taken around these times will almost certainly have major consequences.

1st May 2003 - 1st May 2003
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this months forecast has been delayed! Please call back again soon. Penny

1st May 2003 - 1st May 2003
Due to unforeseen circumstances, this months forecast has been delayed! Please call back again soon. Penny

1st June 2003 - 30th June 2003
Strategy and good preparation are innate Capricorn qualities, so nothing gets your goat more (sorry, no pun intended!) than when circumstances beyond your control throw out your time-table and your plans. Now, I am not saying that June is going to be a month when all your arrangements will be hurled into disarray but I do believe it is wise to have some alternative plans for the most crucial of events and endeavours. Decisions and actions taken by individuals and organizations could make your progress less assured than you would like, and in a handful of instances, a project may have to be postponed indefinitely. On the plus side, some Capricorns will experience a reversal of fortune in the most welcome of ways in that a job or some other venture/association takes off quite unexpectedly.

The single most important astrological event of the month is the arrival of Saturn, your ruling planet, in your opposite sign, Cancer. Saturn will be transiting the solar area of relationships until July 2005, and it promises to be a seminal period for your business and romantic associations. And with the sun forming its first conjunction to Saturn in this cycle on the 24th June, you may well gain some insight into what this planet can do for you in the way of resolving romantic questions and showing you what is workable and what is not as far as collaborations and mergers are concerned.

The sixth house of work and service is highlighted for much of June, and even if you have a vacation planned or are expecting to spend the larger part of the month enjoying yourself, there will still be some hard work involved. On the other hand, if you have been concerned about a job or you appear to be weighed down by duties and obligations this is quite the best period of 2003 to put matters to rights. Some Capricorns appear to have reached a watershed: tensions on the work front could spill over precipitating some all or nothing moves, and in general events around the 6th, 9th, 14th, and 23rd could change your working outlook. This is also a prime period for resolving health worries and for initiating a new health and fitness regime.

An enlightening , if somewhat unsettling, few weeks.

1st July 2003 - 31st July 2003
Saturn�s arrival in your opposite sign early last month was a landmark event: since Saturn is your ruler, you can thrive and prosper during transits of this planet through the other Cardinal signs but this is not always the case. Sometimes Saturn assumes his more usual guise and presents you with obstacles and opposition. With this in mind, and especially if you have a December birthday, the first half of July represents a testing ground so you may experience a solid success then or you may come to realize who and what stands in the way of your progress. On the plus side, Saturn will enable you to cement a relationship or form some other kind of binding agreement but on the minus side you may have to withdraw from a commitment or association and review your position.

In this regard the full moon in Capricorn on the 13th could prove crucial. All full moons provide illumination but when they are in your sign - and this is the only one this year - you are empowered and enlightened. Relationships continue to be the main story here, whether this meets with your plans to marry or commit yourself to another person, organization or endeavour or whether you have to sever a connection.

Venus�s passage through the relationship sector until the 29th July adds to the already strong theme of make or break situations. For some Capricorns Venus will bring new love into your life and reveal to you just how much love and support you have. Long-standing unions can also benefit from Venus, perhaps through a second-honeymoon experience or a partner who becomes more attentive and loving. But, in keeping with the above, if a love affair or association is hanging on by a thread Venus may help to give it one final tweak.

While July suffers from none of the challenging alignments that made February, May and June such hard going, it could nonetheless turn out to be the most significant month of 2003, if not of the past few years.

1st August 2003 - 31st August 2003
Planets focused on the eighth house of the solar chart make August a month of reckonings and fresh starts. On the one hand, this is a period when you may find yourself combing through bank and credit card statements in order to find out how much you�re worth - and what steps might reasonably be taken to improve your position - and on the other, discussions with partners and those with whom you have shared interests - financial and otherwise - could lead to new agreements. Certainly, this is a month when little that happens is lightweight and even if you�re in holiday mode you may still feel somewhat preoccupied with �things� back at the ranch.

Until the 12th you will need to closely watch financial transactions and should any new scheme be offered to you or �special purchase� you should look carefully at the background and the small print. The full moon of the 12th ends a financial cycle, which may mean a monetary commitment reaches an end or you can settle a long-standing financial issue.

Partnerships are also in the frame and for some Capricorns a relationship begun in the recent past will take on a deeper and more profound meaning, and even those in established partnerships could find themselves exchanging deeper and more intimate feelings. From the 18th Jupiter and Uranus play an increasingly prominent part in relationship matters, which means they veer from the sublime to the seriously creaky, and especially on the weekend of the 23rd and the 30th passions are inflamed suddenly and with unexpected consequences. Jupiter-Uranus combos are just what the astrologer ordered if a relationship or an endeavour requires a kick-start, yet if something is creaking along, this pair will surely de-rail it.

You see what I mean - August is a month of reckonings and fresh starts.

1st September 2003 - 30th September 2003
September is usually your best month for taking a holiday and getting away from the mundanity of life, but since this September contains some of the most influential alignments of 2003, any journeys or vacations from �real life� could pack an unexpected and powerful punch. Now, before you cancel your reservations for your round-the-world trip what happens under these extraordinary stars is intended to open you up to new possibilities and dormant talents and feelings. Remember, it is not always you who chooses the way in which your true path unfolds - that�s a job for the celestial movers and shakers!

Since the latter part of August the two solar areas of travel and communications have been the focus of some exciting, if rather destabilizing, influences so you may already be in receipt of a job offer or some kind of opportunity to widen your field of interests: conversely, you may have had an event cancelled or been involved in an exchange that closed off an avenue of work or pushed an association to the brink. And if nothing remotely unusual took place in the last ten days of August then wait and see what the period of the 5th - 17th September brings. While retrograde Mercury invariably creates three-act dramas out of travel and financial negotiations it is often no bad thing to have to wait a little longer to reach your objectives - what you learn through going over old ground and general delays can alter the whole complexion and purpose of an endeavour. But to go back to that twelve-day stretch, this looks to be a time of major global developments, so while you may remain relatively unscathed by what comes or goes, events could well help you define a few personal priorities.

Love and relationships are still very much in the frame, whether a new romance is sparked while you are on foreign soil or whether one begins via the internet or during a journey - that theme of travel and communications spreads right the way through your life! Also, from the 23rd your chance of making a big impression on a person or an organization is increased fourfold, so no hanging back when it comes to initiating a date or attempting to improve your career position.

1st October 2003 - 31st October 2003
As a Capricorn, success, stability and security are life essentials. It doesn�t matter how long it takes, or what you must do without, you�ll get there in the end - wherever there is. Now, with the sun coursing through the goal-achieving tenth house, you are in one the year�s most important phases for getting ahead and making your world a more secure place. Compared with September, October is a picnic, so even though we must consider the effect of your ruler, Saturn, by the end of the month your position should be stronger, and your optimism greater.

So Saturn! Since June, this planet has been residing in the area of relationships - and you need to get used to his ever watchful presence since he will be there for a further two years - so other people are even more crucial to your existence than before. Some Capricorns will be able to �settle down� thanks to Saturn, while others will want to extricate themselves from commitments they have outgrown. And in between those two extremes there will be times when other people, whether personal or business connections, give you valuable, if somewhat painful lessons. And for some Capricorns these themes play long and loud this month. The 6th, 10th, 14th and 27th all bring Saturn to the fore and you can expect to discover the stuff of which other people are made, and, indeed, how their actions impact on you. These times could also help you consolidate plans and make long-term commitments.

The full moon of the 10th flanks the life-direction axis bringing to an end a small or large chapter of life, first and foremost linked to home and family and second to your career. As always closure and completion are the issues you are dealing with here, so the 10th would be an appropriate moment to consider what of your endeavours and associations has run out of road and where you now need to direct your energies and ambitions. Of course, the full moon is a sign of chapters ending and new ones beginning so even though the 10th may come and go with no discernible event, this theme will be alive and well until the second week of November.

A month of progress and enlightenment.

1st November 2003 - 30th November 2003
Set those two stoical feet on the ground and watch and wait. November�s planetary patterns are stunning, however they are far from harmonious - and if you�d like a more detailed look at what�s going on, please take in my new article on astrolutely.com: Harmonic Convergences, Eclipses and other awe-inspiring matters.

November puts a friendship or working alliance in the spotlight and while new collaborations and projects could be inspired by the alignments they are more likely to expose the weaknesses and deficiencies of an association. The lunar eclipse of the 8th/9th is a case in point: eclipsed full moons on the creative axis of the horoscope have the end of a gestation period writ large in them, so although this may symbolize a birth of some description in the near future, it may also reveal what has been �cooking�, so to speak. (And that may not be an entirely heart-warming experience!) There is a very unsettled feeling to this period of November so it is probably not the best time to put undue pressure on other people, nor to assume that all your chickens will hatch.

Uranus and Pluto are key players in November and since Uranus is transiting the financial area of your horoscope you cannot rule a monetary glitch out of the equation. Other people may promise more than they can deliver or individuals and organizations will run out of patience, leading to ultimatums of one sort or another. Of course, it is also possible that a deal will come through unexpectedly or that money comes to you suddenly and in strange circumstances.

The total solar eclipse of the 23rd falls in the mysterious twelfth house of your horoscope, so it may take a while for you to absorb the full meaning of events taking place then. The whole of November is a dark and difficult period for the planet but these last ten days are especially turbulent. My advice would be to assume there is more to situations than the eye can see and that you should wait before nailing your colours to the mast, whether we�re talking about making an emotional commitment or reaching some other kind of �final� verdict.

November is a watershed in more ways than one.

1st December 2003 - 31st December 2003
Got that head in a paper bag feeling? Not too sure what�s going on? No worries - it�s just the sun�s transit of the off-key twelfth house. And it will pass - by the 22nd to be precise, when the sun enters your own sign. Until that point you should endeavour to keep your time-table flexible and minimize the amount of time you spend with people who and on situations that stress you out. This is your time to focus on the inner-you, to pay more attention to your dreams and to take care of your physical and mental health. Paradoxically, beautiful Venus is moving through Capricorn at the same time, making this one of the great periods of the year for socializing, schmoozing and other life-enhancing, success-making activities. Perhaps the answer here is to make the most of your opportunities to impress and enjoy life but ensure that you have adequate rest, especially if a minor health problem surfaces.

Saturn is a constant companion during December and since this planet is ploughing through the area of relationships your love life could be in a bit of a trough or other people are being less than wonderful to you - and this is especially the case for the late December birthdays. By complete contrast, Saturn can preside over long-term contracts so for some Capricorns this is quite the best time to marry or enter a business partnership. Saturn is at his most effective on or near the 6th, 13th, 22nd and 31st.

Pluto is another big player in December and around the 12th and 22nd you may well discover quite what this planet has in store for you in the way of eliminating the dead wood and bringing simmering issues to boiling point.

In many ways, December and early January is a crucial period for most Capricorns: you�ve been through a lot this past year and it is time to accept that some things will never ever work and painful or time-consuming as it may be, you will have to let go and move on. Make 2004 a year of fresh starts.

1st January 2004 - 31st January 2004
As Saturn�s child you tend to keep your expectations on the low side, although you do set a lot of store by your own abilities to succeed, and this quality will serve you well as you enter 2004. Yes, Saturn is by your side, ensuring that you don�t get carried away with unrealistic plans, or, on the other hand, with over-pessimistic notions. Indeed, the first seven days of January are all about keeping your feet on the ground. If you�re able to take a break during the opening week, so much the better, but if you have to get back to work expect to be dealing with backlogs and problems that have accumulated since mid-December. Once Mercury gets back on track (6th) communications will improve and what as the year begins may still be something of a mystery should be resolved.

On the 7th the full moon flanks the relationship axis of your solar chart, bringing love affairs and business associations right into the foreground. There is a big learning curve going on here anyway, thanks to Saturn�s transit of this same area, so this full moon may simply underline a plan already in the pipeline. Marriages and partnerships can be made under these stars, and they can be broken too. Certainly, there is a very realistic aura to love and partnership in the first half of January.

A more jubilant atmosphere is created by Jupiter on the 9th and during the last week of the month. Overseas connections and foreign travel could be the reason for any high spirits and celebrations, and these are also periods in which you can have confidence in offers made to you and in the moves you make.

January is not without its surprises and these you may discover on or near the 15th. An unexpected piece of information may come your way or someone could make an unscheduled move - either way, you should welcome the opportunity to ring in the changes. Indeed, if you are given a chance to work in unfamiliar territory or to acquire a new string to your bow, don�t take too long to say yes - that boat of opportunity won�t wait in port for long.

1st February 2004 - 29th February 2004
My idea of heaven probably does not include a Venus/Moon/Pluto alignment, which it is our pleasure to greet on the weekend of the 31st January/1st February. It is passionate, all right, but unless you are newly in lust with someone the kind of passions this alignment inspires can be somewhat destructive. This weekend could be the perfect moment to have a massive clear up and clear out, whether of the kitchen cupboards, the office or the garden: on the other hand you may be inspired to eliminate a life fixture that has suddenly become redundant! Certainly, this weekend is not the occasion upon which to make a profound statement and hope that everything will stay the same.

Until the 19th the sun will be transiting the financial zone of your solar chart, therefore if you have money worries or big financial plans this period is an excellent one in which to get behind such things - and bring them to a successful conclusion. To this end the full moon of the 6th could prove entirely helpful. By contrast, if you have been hoping that a miracle will change the status quo of your current account this full moon will help you do the right thing!

On the 8th the lovely Venus glides into the area of home and family. This planet will do much to bring peace to bear among warring family factions and it could inspire you to get motoring on home improvements and domestic purchases. Rather more importantly, this area of the horoscope represents the foundations of life, so Venus can, during the course of the next four weeks, bring you a blessing, whether in the form of a new member of the family, a new avenue for your talents or simply a new start.

Valentine�s Day puts Venus in the clutches of Saturn - not exactly a recipe for unbridled joy but it will make a promise binding and it will show you the reality of someone you love, and the value and strength of the relationship. If Saturn is currently angling your sun (29th Dec - 3rd January birthdays) Valentine�s Day may accentuate any feelings of sadness - try to keep a sense of perspective: you will eventually stop feeling like this and you will be happy again. It�s just a question of time.

From the 19th life changes gear - travel becomes more of a feature of life, and journeys could come about suddenly and unexpectedly; likewise, offers and dialogues bring their share of surprises.

1st March 2004 - 31st March 2004
Planning to take a jet plane, or merely longing to get away from the weather, the boss and life�s eternal problems? Well, no surprise there then. With no less than four planetary bodies in the travel zones of your solar chart, your globe-trotting, escapist tendencies are being tweaked. On balance, March is not the smoothest of months - there�s too much Pluto for that - but what you put behind you and what you set in motion should prove extremely worthwhile.

The full moon of the 6th is the month�s first challenge - and you could well meet that challenge when travelling or through verbal exchanges. On the plus side, such a full moon will help you close a deal and sign a contract but on the minis side, you may encounter delays and frustrations in transit and in communication. (Not the day to tangle with the traffic warden or tell a superior precisely what you think of him or her!)

Your ruling planet, Saturn, turns direct on the 7th, after a period of some three months in retrograde. Now, it may be that you have a situation that has been on ice for that period of time or you have been experiencing some general life malaise, in which case this change of direction is very good news indeed: even before the end of the month you may experience a reversal of a problem and you could feel as though you are making headway as opposed to being stuck in a giant trough of low pressure.

Nevertheless, the period between the 6th and 15th is a tricky one: hidden issues come to the surface and aspects of the past return to haunt you, whether these are simply memories or people and situations that happened some time ago. And, especially if you have a late December/early January birthday, there could be a disappointment involving a relationship or joint endeavour.

On the 20th the sun reaches the base of your chart, all set for a four week period when things of a family and property kind zoom to the top of your agenda. And with a spiky aspect between Mars and Uranus on the 28th the reason for all this activity and change may well reveal itself on or near that date.

1st April 2004 - 30th April 2004
During April, as the sun sweeps along the base of your chart, new starts are appearing life, right and centre - at least that�s the theory. In practice, you may realize that certain aspects of your existence are ready for the big heave-ho, if only you had the time, the financial wherewithal and the energy to tackle the job. The base of your chart represents the roots of life, whether this is reflected in your family and ancestors or the fundamentals of survival, therefore any new starts are principally geared to the home front. The full moon of the 5th symbolizes the end of a chapter, so this would be an appropriate time to tie up domestic loose ends and experience closure on a painful matter with a member of the family, while the new moon of the 19th encourages new beginnings. We�ll talk a little more about this shortly, since this is no ordinary new moon but a solar eclipse.

Both Venus and Mars highlight the area of work and well-being, suggesting there is good news to come and plenty of activity in life. These two planets will attract better working conditions towards you, although Mars has been known to cause the odd patch of strife. However, especially around the 6th, 13th and 23rd what Mars produces in the way of a conflict - or at least a difference of opinion - can, once the air has cleared, lead to a better state of affairs. Health matters can and should be dealt with in April, and if you�ve been leading a sedentary life, this is the moment to renew your gym membership.

Mercury will be retrograding between the 6th and 30th, so all the usual problems with getting from A to B in terms of travel and decision-making will exist. The positive plus to retrograde Mercury is that it enables you to revisit a situation and make any necessary adjustments. However, since Easter falls during this period, expect more than the usual delays, congestions and dramas when in transit.

The solar eclipse (19th) is a partial one, so its effect is likely to be fairly muted - at least in global terms - however, especially if you have a late January birthday, the way the new comes in during the next few weeks could prove sudden and surprising!

1st May 2004 - 31st May 2004
With go-getting Mars entering the area of relationships (7th) you can look forward to a seriously happening month, especially on the relationship front. In this area of the horoscope Mars inspires passionate encounters, and at the very least shows you who�s for you and who�s against you. Indeed, if you take no other piece of advice away with you from this column it should be to watch out for your competitors and enemies now.

The month begins an interesting note - and consider here the Chinese benediction: May you live in interesting times! On the 2nd, Venus and Pluto oppose each other, and two days later there is a total lunar eclipse: all of which adds up to a controversial and contentious few days, if not a fairly challenging few weeks. Pluto brings buried issues to the surface, and exposes the rot lying at the heart of certain situations: it also raises passions, often with fairly explosive results. Aside from the effects this will have on world affairs, you too may discover a few facts of which you were unaware during May.

Until the 20th, the sun will be in the creative zone of the solar chart, helping you bring new things into being - indeed the eclipsed full moon of the 4th marks the end of a gestation period. And although May does have its tough moments, you may well gain a tremendous sense of pride and achievement from events at this time.

But back to relationships. On the plus side, Mars could resurrect a moribund sex life, and /or bring a new lover into view: on the minus side, partners could go on the warpath and generally become difficult to handle. This is not a month to take on anyone bigger and better than you, nor put your hand in the tiger�s cage where your professional interests are concerned. The weekend of the 22nd marks the beginning of a seven-day period when Mars and Saturn will be in conjunction, which, on the plus side, gives you the opportunity to set an endeavour or a relationship on solid ground yet on the minus side you could discover that a project or association is unworkable.

All in all: an interesting few weeks.

1st June 2004 - 30th June 2004
I wouldn�t describe June as the jolliest month of 2004, but at least by the end of it you�ll know where you stand with a professional or personal situation.

So, what is it about June�s stars that have me waving a red flag? Well, Uranus and Pluto are in full sail between the 1st and 17th, and these outer planets are tough customers. We can expect to see some global upsets during this time, although out of conflict come new agreements and resolutions, so I wouldn�t say that these alignments are all bad. Likewise for Capricorn, out of difficulties - first and foremost on the work front - come new ways forward.

Capricorn is a slow mover, and by that I mean you do not rush into the new and the different, without thinking long and hard about the merits and demerits of such an action, and sometimes this tendency means that you put up with a situation - bad as it is - for the security it provides. So, it seems roads are running out in June, and you need to look in new directions for your talents. You may also need to right a health wrong - taking your health and fitness to task is another of June�s big issues. Certainly, the message of these stars is that unless you take action, events will conspire to force you to do so.

On the 21st the sun enters the zone of love and relating, bringing working and romantic alliances into the spotlight - indeed the period between the end of June and the end of August is one of the most event-full in regard to forming new relationships, making life-time bonds, and, in some cases, reaching painful but necessary decisions about the future of a business or marital partnership.

1st July 2004 - 31st July 2004
July�s stars are all about other people - how they affect your life, their needs and wants, and your relationships. Venus will go over this same astrological ground in August, so you are looking at a two-month period when much can happen with relationships in general and your love life in particular.

July kicks off with a full moon in your sign. I often say that you are empowered when the moon transits your sun sign, but a full moon tends to give the power to other people. During the early part of July, and certainly on the 2nd, you may become aware of the sharp differences between you and a colleague or partner: crunch points are reached and generally speaking this is a highly emotional time. Sometimes, a full moon that cuts across the relationship axis, like this one, will augur marriage or a business partnership; even so, emotions will be running high.

On the 8th, the sun joins Saturn in the relationship sector, establishing the themes played by the full moon - in other words, this whole patch of time between the 1st and 10th should be viewed as one when other people are ready to come to the table, and/or you feel poles apart from someone. Saturn helps solidify matters, so agreements can be struck at this time and you can establish exactly where you stand with a commitment. This is not necessarily a difficult time, but neither will it be a breeze.

Finances come under Neptune�s influence mid-month, so if you want to be ahead of the game, make sure moneys are on their way to you at the start of July, and that you have discussed any financial concerns with the relevant institutions or individuals before the 10th. Things go missing when Neptune is in the ascendant, although, if you�re spiritually inclined, Neptune can inspire some truly magical and uplifting moments.

Finances continue to dominate the astro-agenda until the end of the month: this is not a time when you get to call the shots, so expect to listen and learn from other people. In many ways, this is a rather complex few weeks, whether for your love life or for money matters, and, uncomfortable as it may be to not have the controlling hand, you will learn greatly from your interactions with others.

1st August 2004 - 31st August 2004
With beautiful Venus gracing the seventh house of relationships, you won�t be complaining about your August stars. Then again, Venus isn�t the only planet in the solar system, and with a retrograde Mercury and a fleet of aspects to anarchy loving, Uranus, there�s bound to be the occasional hiccup, most probably linked to travel.

But let�s talk romance. A Venus transit of the area of love and relating can increase your chances of finding such things. People see you in a rosy glow, so if you are job-seeking, endeavouring to find support for your ideas and arguments or looking for lurve, Venus will help your cause. You should also meet interesting and attractive people at social events, and instead of your thoughts being largely on economic survival - or survival, period - you get to think about the advantages of romance and togetherness. To this end, the Venus-Saturn conjunction of the 31st August could prove pivotal. There is a sense of reality with this astrological combo, enabling you to make something solid of a love-affair or business plan, but, on the other hand, to recognize when a commitment has reached the end of its shelf-life.

Finances also look set for improvements, although these same boosting alignments of the 11th - 17th could encourage you to spend money rather than increase your earning power or negotiate better financial deals for yourself. Nevertheless, if you�ve been debating changing a loan arrangement or investing in a business scheme, this period of August would be a good one to go for.

So Uranus and travel! It is indeed the area of travel and communications that gets hit the hardest this month. Short of staying at home, content in the knowledge that you won�t be able to get hold of anyone you need to nail down, you will have to build in extra time for journeys and demonstrate stoicism in the face of delays or no-shows. The period between the 17th and 28th is particularly volatile, and while these alignments may cause problems on an international scale, they could upset your perfect equilibrium too.

1st September 2004 - 30th September 2004
The one good thing about September's controversial alignments is that they are focused on the area of far horizons. Now, this does not necessarily mean that any of September's more challenging developments will be happening well away from your shores - although it could - but it does indicate that by distancing yourself from any difficulties or unexpected events, you will find equilibrium and solutions.

In a way, this is the month of the year to travel, and as widely as possible. Visiting foreign countries and meeting people from different cultures will prove enlightening at least and rewarding at best. You can, of course, also travel in intellectual and psychological terms, so many Capricorns could add to their bank of knowledge and experience thanks to September's far-ranging stars. And, indeed, some of this month's most memorable developments could come through someone who is far away or in connection with your long-range plans.

Now, you can probably hear a 'but' coming on, and you'd be correct. Between the 7th and 22nd Pluto and Uranus forge harsh angles to the sun, Mars and Mercury, creating a climate of contention, both for the world as a whole and for us as individuals. If you have a sense that a situation is not heading in the right direction or that an old problem may not have gone away, you would be better confronting the matter at the start of the month - a pre-emptive strike, so to speak, puts you in a stronger position. If, on the other hand, someone pulls the rug out from beneath your feet or an out of the blue development throws you off balance do not go on the offensive but wait until the dust has settled. When your mind is clear, you'll see there are routes to resolution, and it is possible that you are better off without certain people or certain situations.

By way of compensation, on the 25th Jupiter arrives at the mid-heaven of your solar chart, thereby beginning a year-long transit of the area of aspirations and life-direction. Between late September this year and October of next you should make the kind of progress that you have long desired. Promotion, job improvements and a sense of finally getting somewhere are some of the pluses of this transit - something I shall be expanding upon over the weeks and months to come.

1st October 2004 - 31st October 2004
If there was any chance of your ambling through October on automatic pilot, forget it: with a cluster of planets at the very top of your solar chart - including assertive and energetic Mars - this is the most go-ahead month of 2004. Career matters take precedence, and some Capricorns (first and foremost those with December birthdays) should take some mighty steps forward, whether in the sense of promotion, a superb job offer or plain and simple success. Personal ambitions also receive a boost, and with a solar eclipse in this area (14th) such opportunities may come about suddenly and in the strangest of ways. Certainly, people have the power to make or break your chances of success during the next few weeks.

All months have some periods that are more challenging than others, and October is no exception. Saturn and Pluto make the going tough around the 13th and 20th, and these are dates to be careful with what you say and do, and to whom. As always with Saturn and Pluto, there is a sense of a harvest being gathered, so events may have a strongly karmic aura to them. Likewise, with such planets in the ascendancy, actions taken at these times will have major repercussions a lot further down the line. Food for thought, perhaps, in light of world events too.

The total lunar eclipse of the 28th also packs a powerful punch. This takes place on the creative axis of your chart, so the end of a gestation period is writ large in the stars, so to speak. Maybe you have indeed come to the end of a period of preparation and what will shortly be delivered will make a wonderful difference to your life, but this eclipse may also signal the end of a working or romantic association. All eclipses demand a certain amount of respect, and while the astrology is pretty good for Capricorn at the moment, it could be worth your while checking the strength and viability of certain endeavours and associations.

1st November 2004 - 30th November 2004
With fortunate Venus and go-getting Mars in the area of career and life-direction until the 11th and 22nd respectively, November's events could set you on a whole new course. This is certainly the period in which to pursue your goals and to cultivate people who can help you fulfil your dreams and ambitions. Like any month, November has its tricky patches, but being forewarned is to be forearmed, as they say.

Saturn is the first hurdle to cross, and hitches and glitches related to this most realistic of planets are likely to emerge around the weekend of the 6th and between the 19th and 21st. Saturn continues to grace the area of relationships, so on or near these dates you can expect to run into some opposition and competition, although these would also be excellent times to make long term commitments and to finalize agreements and plans. During November it is the Capricorns with birthdays between the 15th and 19th of January that are most sensitive to these Saturnian influences.

On the 23rd, Uranus takes over from where Saturn left off, which means life becomes every so slightly crazy! Anything goes under Uranus, so rules get broken, corners get cut and people fail to do what you expect them to do. Of course, the period between the 23rd and 27th could turn out to be excitement on sticks, but this is also a time when anything of a fragile nature should be treated with great care. Shocks, surprises and bolts from the blue are Uranus's stock in trade.

Friendships and group efforts play a large part in November's developments: some Capricorns may find that a platonic relationship becomes distinctly passionate, others will simply be more involved with group projects while a few will need to be very supportive to a friend or colleague. And, although you are by nature a self-sufficient individual, November could reveal to you the importance of friends and people in the right places.

1st December 2004 - 31st December 2004
Capricorn is one the zodiac's greatest planners and organizers, but you may need to throw away the rules and the maps this December, since the cosmos is in a state of chaos. Of course, this may well work to your advantage, bringing unexpected opportunities to follow new pursuits and to make a welcome change from tradition.

So, what precisely is going on? Well, until the sun enters your sign on the 21st, it will be moving through the subterranean twelfth house: symbolically speaking, this is a time of rest, retreat and reflection but since in this modern world of ours there is hardly ever any time to stand and stare, what happens instead under a twelfth house transit is that you tend to feel less in control of your world, and you become more vulnerable in the physical and emotional sense. The antidote is to get plenty of rest and to focus on the inner world of dreams and intuitions. You may also need to take a little more care of your health and to cut down the amount of time you spend in crowds and busy places. Quite how you accomplish this in one of the most happening periods of the year is another matter altogether.

Pluto and Uranus are lead players on the astrological stage this December. Uranus is currently livening up the area of communications so this will not be the first opportunity of the year to get away from your usual surroundings or to explore new territory in terms of knowledge and experience, but with communication chief, Mercury, in retrograde until the 20th, the whole zone of travel and information-gathering could be prone to some very unexpected detours. Pluto, on the other hand, is occupying the twelfth house, so between the 7th and 14th when this planet is activated, there will be a confrontational aura surrounding events, whether this means you make a discovery of some description or whether you are surprised by other people's actions and statements.

Over the Christmas weekend, there is a full moon in your opposite sign, so partnerships and close associations are in the frame - an offer or proposal could be in some Capricorn's Christmas stockings, and this is likely to be a time when you realize the true value of a relationship. New Year's Eve brings Uranus back on stage, so remember what I said about those rules and maps - throw them away!

1st January 2005 - 31st January 2005
Well, I would have chosen a more peaceful entry into 2005, but then if you like firecrackers and big bangs you'll be more than happy! Uranus and Pluto take the honours for creating a New Year to remember, whether you hear some news that knocks your socks off or whether you take it upon yourself to make an announcement or a controversial move. Certainly, if there is a message in the alignments of the 31st December - 4th January it is: out with the old and in with the new!

Ruler, Saturn takes over from where Pluto left off, and the period between the 8th and 14th could be another roller-coaster ride, especially if your birthday falls at this time. In my long experience, I have as much evidence for things coming together with strong Saturn aspects as I do for them falling apart. Saturn reveals the strengths and weaknesses in people and endeavours, which is why those things that are built on solid ground hold fast during a Saturn transit while those things that have fundamental flaws crumble into dust. Saturn continues to exert its greatest force on relationships so, both the aforementioned period and the last week of the month are times when you get to discover who is in your camp and who is not.

The sun moves into the area of finances on the 19th, thereby helping you right the balance in your accounts and make progress with monetary matters. And even if you feel January produces nothing in the way of positive financial developments, February has even more fruitful influences. Also in your favour is Venus's transit of your sign (9th January - 2nd February): Venus adds a charm particle or two to life, and encourages love and romance. This combined with the Saturn aspects of the 8th, 10th and 27th could augur well for a marriage or engagement, and if you meet a new romantic interest in January, the chances are that it could become the next big thing.

1st February 2005 - 28th February 2005
As a practical, reliable, truthful and trustworthy member of the zodiac February's mixed messages may prove to be a pain in the butt. But, to be forewarned is to be forearmed...

Now, what do I mean by mixed messages. Well, Neptune, the planet of mystery and magic is in the ascendant yet Mars, the planet of action and ambition, is in your sign. Therefore, while you may be raring to go, and fired with enthusiasm and focus, events and other people could prove very slippery indeed. My advice would be to ignore the voice of your desires and to pay close attention to the hidden agendas of other people and the truth behind situations.

Neptune is currently residing in the area of self-worth, so finances are top of the list for weird and wonderful developments. There will be some Capricorns who get a dream of a job now, or who receive an unexpected windfall, but in the main, the celestial Goat is suffering from lack of funds and offers and deals that invariably fail to materialize. The way around this trend is to keep your costs down for now and not to believe in offers and proposals until they are firmly on the table.

Yet finances are only one aspect of self-worth: the more important factor is how much you believe you are worth, both as a person and in regard to your abilities. And in many ways, what happens in February revolves around this issue of self-worth. If you are being treated badly by a partner or an employer, ask yourself why you allow such behaviour: by recognizing your true worth you will change the dynamic in a relationship, or you will have the courage to walk away. Food for thought especially on Valentines Day should you suffer a disappointment or suddenly have an epiphany.

Nevertheless, February is not a bad month. Until the 20th the alignments are largely harmonious so you should have opportunities to enjoy life and to experience success with your labours - Mars will be in your sign until late March so you have plenty of time to get an idea off the ground and to make professional and personal progress. After the 20th Uranus, the revolutionary, takes over from where Neptune left off so there could be some surprising news or an arrangement you thought was set in stone could be off the agenda. Certainly, the secret of success during the last eight days of the month is to be very flexible and fluid.

1st March 2005 - 31st March 2005
For the second month in a row, feisty Mars transits your sign - a reason, perhaps, for any attacks on your ideas and any interference with your plans for a laid-back existence. Making the most of this planet's energy and focus means bringing to the top of the pile any pressing concerns and taking an aggressive stance on them; it also means harnessing your will and your energy and getting behind your most ambitious plans - fortune favours the brave sort of thing. A Mars transit like this almost always brings contentious matters to the fore, and exposes those who oppose you, but you have the ammunition with which to deal with such things, provided you do not show weakness or appear to be avoiding the bone of contention, so to speak. The challenge is, of course, not to come across as a warmonger, but as someone who is courageous, strong and firm of purpose - a contender!

The sun, Venus and Mercury will all pass through the area of travel and communications, a further indication that this is the month to put across your biggest and boldest ideas, and to be prepared to go the distance for them. It appears to be up to you to initiate talks - to take your ideas out to others - as opposed to waiting for the telephone to ring and for someone to make you an offer. This is also not a month to pussy-foot around issues or to assume that people do not mean what they say: Pluto is centre stage, which necessitates confronting the good, the bad and the ugly, and digging deep for solutions and understandings. The first half of the month looks to be the more challenging in this regard: not only Pluto but also Mars in your sign opposing ruler, Saturn, (7th) could reveal a serious error in your planning, or a serious opponent, and especially during the 1st - 14th the trend for obstacles and general aggravation is high.

On the 20th, the sun arrives at the base of your chart, setting the scene for a month of family events and new beginnings (more of this next month) and since Mars exits your sign on the same day, you should at last begin to feel that the pressure is off you personally. Mercury also goes into retreat on the 20th - another indication that the time has come to take the pedal off the metal. Of course, having Mercury retrograde during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year is a recipe for travel chaos, and certainly delays, so don't leave anything to chance or the last moment. These things are sent to try us - presumably by the cosmic joker!

1st April 2005 - 30th April 2005
As the month opens, the sun and Venus spotlight the domestic sphere, and with the added influence of Jupiter, good times are to be had on the home front, whether in the sense of visitors, big family developments, even a new arrival or a house move. Certainly, events revolving around the home and family promise to expand your horizons in some way, and since you are an ambitious and self-motivated sign this would also be an excellent time to do some corporate entertaining and generally seek ingenious ways to further your career.

By far the most important period of the month is the 7th-12th. Saturn, the ruler of your sign, activates first Venus, then your sun and, to complicate life further, there is a solar eclipse. I always treat eclipses with respect: in other words, although a solar eclipse is redolent with images of fresh starts and new openings, these rarely appear without some inconvenience, even an element of serious hassle! And since Saturn is putting the finishing touches to his work in the relationship zone, April could turn out to be a pivotal month for marriages and mergers. These last two years may have taught you all you ever wanted to know, and more, about love and relationships, but there could be one last lesson, one last learning curve to take, and during this 7th-12th period.

Mid-month, Pluto takes over from where Saturn left off, but in a less effort-full way. Pluto's current position in the depth-charged twelfth house is generating change at a deep subconscious/soul level, and by the time this mighty planet enters Capricorn in 2008 you will not only be in a different psychological space but external aspects of your life will be beginning to change big time. Changing the way we think is the first step to changing the way we are so don't be surprised if suddenly mid-month you find yourself reading self-help books or seeking a deeper connection with God. It's all part of the grand plan.

The second eclipse of the month (24th) takes place on the creative axis of your solar chart, thus indicating the end of a gestation period. In simple terms, something has been cooking for the past few months, and it is now ready to emerge from the 'oven'. Perhaps you have a special date in your diary for which you have been preparing for some time, or maybe you have been toying with an idea and the time has come to make it a reality. Collaborative endeavours and friendships are in the limelight here, so many Capricorns could be about to discover whether a project is made of the right stuff or if an association has what it takes.

The month ends on a nostalgic note... perhaps you'll be thinking back to your childhood or past loves. Whatever is on your mind, you'll be more in touch with your feelings now and living life more fully than ever.

1st May 2005 - 31st May 2005
May finds the sun, Mercury and Venus transiting the areas of creativity and work - it is a month in which you need to find the fun-you-within, which has probably not had much of an outing this year. Your personal input matters more than ever now, and while some Capricorns will be bringing new life into being in the form of fresh endeavours and new personal and professional alliances, others could be hearing the patter of tiny feet, or focusing their energies on the younger generation.

On balance the alignments are helpful and harmonious, although, like all months, May has its moments, one of which could emerge on or around the weekend of the 7th. A reality check is one way of looking at this weekend's offerings, and this is certainly a time when you should check facts and figures and avoid being taken in by appearances. As Venus moves into the area of work, health and lifestyle on the 10th, you can expect to gain more pleasure from your everyday routines. Venus will cast a rosy glow over everything it touches so, if you feel like starting a new diet, becoming fitter or applying for promotion, the gods (or goddess in this case) will be smiling upon you and you will have fun into the bargain.

Mid-month, travel or communication could become the source of major or minor irritations. Uranus is the culprit here generating the unexpected and the inconvenient, and thus hampering your progress. Especially on or near the 15th when combative and impulsive Mars hooks up to spiky Uranus you should take extra care on journeys, and if someone cuts you up on the motorway or the information highway, resist the temptation to fire off a round of bullets!

On the 18th Venus takes over from where Mars left off creating a climate in which sudden and exhilarating attractions can occur, especially in the workplace. Uranus is the king of the wild fling so these may not be the stars under which your soulmate appears but excitement is certainly the order of the day. If your work revolves around the home, take comfort from the fact that interesting encounters could just as easily occur at the supermarket or on the school run. Tender words (not necessarily to be believed) spoken and shared on the 22nd give way to passion the following day - and with a full moon on the mystical 12th house axis, there could be a somewhat clandestine feel to proceedings! By the end of the month Pluto will have made its entrance on to your stage, generating an all or nothing feel to life and love. Take a bow Capricorn ; for once in your life you can enjoy being a drama queen!

1st June 2005 - 30th June 2005
Work, health and lifestyle issues become the focus this month while the sun continues its journey through the sign of Gemini. Uranus, like a bolt from the blue, makes us all take a sharp intake of breath as it squares up to the sun (1st) and Mercury (2nd): if you need a wake up call of any description this will be it, and this is certainly the time to bring innovative ideas into being and to throw out old life blue-prints. Since Uranus is currently residing in the communication sector, it may be that you receive some sudden news in the workplace, or that technology turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, and the inconvenient. However, with Jupiter opening up the whole area of career, you might also receive news of a promotion or pay rise. The new moon of the 6th is another indication of fresh starts at work, and this is also an excellent tine to begin a new diet or exercise routine in the hope of changing your image. Uranus brings a feeling of awakening and change to your life wherever it's needed so there's really no point in resisting, even though you are not the sign most readily accepting of change.

Pluto is another planet making an impressive appearance on the astrological stage this month: first Mercury (8th) then the sun (14th) are opposed by this planet of the deeps, and since the areas of work and health are involved once again, you could feel unpleasant undercurrents in the 'office' or you could be worrying about some health issue. Of course you are no amateur when it comes to worrying, but worry in itself is no solution - it's actions that count. Confrontation and elimination are two key processes inspired by Pluto, so this first half of June is an excellent time to face what is and isn't working in your life, and to take charge. At the very least, a de-cluttering exercise of some description is recommended.

By the 22nd, the emphasis shifts from work and lifestyle to relationships. It looks like the debate about career versus home life is rumbling on, but it also appears that your most loving, serious thoughts are firmly fixed upon your partner. This last week of June with the full moon in your sign (22nd) and a series of key connections to Saturn in the area of relating, suggests that decision time may well have come for a romantic, marital or working relationship. While these aspects, which are strongest during the weekend of the 25th, will help you cement a relationship, they can also breed disaffection and create distances. However, one thought to keep at the back of your mind is that you have now received the best and worst of Saturn, and you are moving on to less challenging territory.

1st July 2005 - 31st July 2005
There is one big reason why a big celebration is due in July - on the 16th Saturn leaves the zone of love and relating, leaving you to get on with loving and living without continually reminding you of the virtues of patience, duty and consideration for others. All right, your love life won't suddenly sprout brilliant shoots on the 17th but gradually you will feel more supported, and instead of rejection, whether by lovers or organizations, the welcome wagon will be on stand-by.

July is a month when relationships are very much in the frame: in some cases because wedding dates have already been set and in others because partners become the focus of your undivided attention. The full moon in Capricorn on the 21st (the second in the space of a month) sets the seal on a relationship issue, although the familiar full moon theme of closure and completion could apply to anything from a business/financial contract to the resolution of a personal matter.

Venus's passage through the financial sector could sweeten money matters, however, between the 10th and 15th you will have to watch for financial errors and potential loopholes in monetary arrangements. By contrast, should a new romance have been sparked last month, the relationship could become infinitely stronger and deeper at this time.

By far the most interesting section of July is the period from the aforementioned full moon to the end of the month. A combination of Saturn aspects and a retrograde Mercury suggest the past will play an important part in events then. Clearly, these influences will not speed travel and communications, and there could be some frustrating moments spent trying to track people down, but should you need some time out or an opportunity to re-think your way with a certain situation, you'll have it in spades.

1st August 2005 - 31st August 2005
Forget about building Rome in a day, in August building even a sandcastle is going to take time. With Mercury stuck in reverse gear until the 16th and Neptune becoming a constant companion, the information highway will be covered in a semi-permanent haze. Somewhat inconveniently, the main focus of August's stars is finance, so right from day one you'll have to be even more meticulous when dealing with accounts, legal documents and financial agreements. Minor mistakes and overlooked small print could be two reasons why August is a potentially precarious month for money matters, other factors could be a delay with a payment or confusion over a loan, settlement or inheritance. Put yourself on hold and try not to fret if the world and his wife appear to have temporarily taken to the hills.

Relationships also occupy the spotlight. A romance begun some six to twelve weeks ago could be entering a crucial transitional stage, and for all the aforementioned Neptunian and Mercurial reasons, it may be very difficult to establish what is going on in someone's heart and mind. The full moon of the 28th could dispel some of those doubts but you can help the romance to deepen and mature by not putting too much pressure on the other person, and leaving the relationship to evolve unimpeded. With Venus in the far horizons sector until the 17th, love flowers in foreign places and even the most dog-eared liaison could benefit from some distance.

And speaking of distance. The sun arrives in the long-haul sector of your chart on the 23rd, setting the stage for a journey or a series of important communications with people or organizations abroad, or at some distance from your home or work location. While the second half of August has more to offer you in the way of enjoyment and the furtherance of your personal and professional interests, Neptune remains in the picture, so great ideas and plans will need to be accompanied by rock solid guarantees. Par for the course for Capricorn, no doubt.

1st September 2005 - 30th September 2005
This is the month to get away from it all. The sun and Mercury will be passing through the lofty ninth house, bringing far off places and long range plans into view. You may have chosen September for a holiday, or maybe friends and family will be visiting you, but one way or another your attention will be removed from the small things of life to the bigger picture.

This having been said, September contains some of the toughest alignments of the year. Uranus, Pluto and Saturn are all gathered together, and during the 1st to 18th, so you will need to be flexible with your plans and very tolerant with other people's behaviour. Travel and communications, already the source of big problems in August, could continue to be a major focus for your frustrations. From the 1st to the 10th Uranus will be producing surprise packages, whether this manifests a last minute changes to travel plans, delays and difficulties en route or news of an unexpected nature. I'm not saying that you won't reach your objectives in September but I am suggesting you'll be taking the 'pretty' route. Fortunately, Jupiter continues to be well placed for you, and at the end of August or the first few days of September may be the source of a remarkable and very welcome development - a promotion at work, perhaps, a reward for your hard work or a breakthrough in a long and difficult situation.

Thanks to Pluto, something or someone comes out of hiding this month. You may run into a long lost friend or you may revisit part of your past, and if you have been perplexed by a situation explanations will be found. On the other hand, should you have been concealing information from others, be prepared for someone to find out or for the truth to be revealed in strange circumstances. It may also be that you have been grappling with a problem for some months and thanks to September's developments are suddenly able to resolve it.

On the 22nd the sun follows Venus into the tenth house of career and life ambitions, which could turn out to be especially good news for the late January birthdays. More about which next month...

1st October 2005 - 30th October 2005
Your career and public reputation are in the frame this month, and there is no sign for whom achievement and success are more important than you Capricorn. The solar eclipse on the 3rd, closely followed by a Mercury-Jupiter conjunction on the 5th are pointing to success or new opportunities coming your way. Whatever recognition you are receiving now, it will no doubt be the result of many hours of hard, disciplined work since Saturn, your ruler, never lets you off the hook for long. The Lunar eclipse on the 17th falls in your home zone, so changes on the family or property front could be in store - some Capricorns may be moving house and others completing a project in the home which may well have begun back in April. Adding the two eclipses together, it could be that a promotion or change of job will also lead to a change of location. A lunar eclipse augments the quality of a full moon, so you can expect to be deeply affected by events happening at this time.

Jupiter moves into the sign of Scorpio on 26th, which will precipitate a shift of consciousness across the whole zodiac. Jupiter is now entering your zone of friendships and group endeavours. For the next year or so your social circle will be expanding, but you are much more likely to be attracted to serious-minded people rather than shallow, flighty individuals. You will benefit from probing beneath the surface of life and exploring esoteric subjects. You are not the sign most readily accepting of things you can't touch, see or feel, but it's time to take a leap of faith and go where no Capricorn has gone before!

By the 28th, Venus and Pluto are forming a dynamic duo in the most secretive sector of your solar chart. These two planets can bring great wealth or great passion into your life. However, there is an element of sacrifice or service indicated in this case, so you may find yourself making a noble gesture for someone you love deeply.

1st November 2005 - 30th November 2005
Last month the focus was strongly on your career and public image ( second nature to you Capricorn ) but now it's time to return to the fold and re-discover your sociable side. Group activities and friendships will take up your time and energy, particularly around the 2nd when the new moon joins the sun, encouraging you to make fresh starts in this arena. So, if you have been neglecting your friends or social life, now is the time to renew contacts and issue or accept invitations. The sun also encourages fresh growth, so you could benefit from joining a club or group of some sort. Mars in your pleasure zone adds to this light-hearted mix, urging you to get out and enjoy life. Nevertheless, since Mars remains in retrograde motion all month, you may also find that your energy levels are somewhat depleted.

Not only are friendship and team-work in the frame but Venus's arrival in your sign on the 3rd begins a long-ish season of major romantic developments and general life improvements. You are not a sign who relies on charm but one who believes in actions and results, yet who you know could turn out to be a key component in your ability to achieve your objectives. Between now and March women are more likely to be instrumental to your success, and should your love life have been in the pending file - watch it take off. Indeed, on the 16th, the full moon in the area of romance and creative endeavours, raises the emotional tempo and your love-life could take an interesting turn. Uranus resumes forward motion on the same day, so unexpected communications could come winging their way to you. Declarations of love, old flames re-kindling, anything is possible now! Other dates to watch out for surprise messages are the 6th and 21st.

On the 14th, Mercury goes into reverse gear and communications and travel could become problematic. Check routes carefully before travelling...but then you Goats always do, don't you ? If you lose focus and concentration for the remainder of the month, don't panic. With any luck your brain will get back to normal in early December. On the 22nd, Saturn, your ruling planet turns retrograde and the sun moves into the most reclusive area of your solar chart. This is when you begin to retreat a little, seeking out more depth and intimacy in your relationships. You have done your bit, Capricorn , on the socialising front, but, let's face it, you're not exactly a party animal. The planets are now giving you permission to withdraw and spend more time with individuals whose company you really value. Perhaps you are feeling the need to be of service in some way and lead a more fulfilling life. Unexpected events around the 29th could find you doing just that when somebody might well be needing your help. Journeys could be the source of surprises, and since Mercury is making us all go a little fuzzy around the edges be extra vigilant whilst driving, riding your bike etc.

1st December 2005 - 31st December 2005
Each December the sun spends much of the time hidden away in the depths of the twelfth house. While the purpose of this transit is to recharge your batteries and replenish your stores of wisdom and insight, it is often accompanied by a drop in levels of optimism and a tendency to be more physically and emotionally vulnerable. On the plus side, your inner-life should become richer and more profound, and you should certainly pay more attention to your dreams and intuitions.

In its journey through the twelfth house the sun meets up with Pluto (16th) just after a full moon. It is at this point that you may feel at your most overwhelmed by events and more likely to commit yourself to irrevocable actions. Your health may also not be at its best. And even if you appear to be on an even keel and life is not presenting you with challenges of one sort or another you could be living or working with someone who is suffering from a surfeit of such things. Thus, during the 13th - 20th do your best to take things easy and opt for a compromise should someone present you with an ultimatum.

On the 21st the sun enters your sign, giving you an energy boost and helping you make your way out of the tunnel and into the light! You will still have a week to go before Christmas so there is time to put a wrong to rights and get seriously into the spirit of the season! Venus will have been moving through your sign until the 15th so although you may not have been able to make as much headway as you might like, especially with a romance or a career matter, there has been the equivalent of a fairy-godmother looking after you. Love and beauty are big themes when Venus is in your sign, so don't be surprised if you feel more 'fluffy' about life in general and your love life in particular. Indeed, there could be some Capricorns celebrating a marriage or becoming engaged this Christmas.

The month ends on another Plutonic note - this time with Mercury, the communicator, in charge. It seems an announcement or a meeting will have a profound effect on you but whatever turns out to constitute a controversial moment, wait until the dust ahs settled before making a suitable response.

1st January 2006 - 31st January 2006
With the sun, Mercury and Venus in your sign could there be a better start to 2006? Well, it might help if Venus was heading in the right direction but by and large this is not a bad month for the celestial Goat. Indeed, should you be reading this column in the hopes that I will be giving you the green light for projects and plans, I can give you an affirmative straight off the bat. Don't delay putting in motion one or more of your ambitions - you have the equivalent of a strong tail wind for much of January.

A retrograding Venus may not be as much of a problem as you might initially think. Sometimes a relationship requires time and space so try not to worry too much if a love affair that was proceeding at the rate of knots loses momentum. Once Venus turns direct in early February, the pace could pick up again, and you should discover the reasons for any coolness, distance or lack of response in a partner. In a way, Venus is focusing her gifts of love, harmony and beauty in an interior way, so by working from within you will achieve results further down the line. And if this statement is as clear as mud, let me explain that in terms of health, fitness and beauty you can achieve much by treatments begun in January, and by generating positive and loving feelings you will attract good things towards you.

The weekend of the 14th sports both a full moon and a Mars-Jupiter opposition, so the good will be absolutely fantastic, and the bad, well, let's just say events go with a bang not a whimper. This weekend would be the ideal time to make a commitment of the heart or to accept that you've done all you can to keep a relationship afloat, and now it should be left alone.

From the 18th the area of self-worth comes under focus. Your efforts to make more money and to deal with financial issues should meet with success, although you might want to take steps to avert a potential problem with a bank or financial institution before the 26th. The Saturn aspects around that time are excellent for making long-term agreements but people may not be feeling at their most generous or lenient. The new moon of the 29th also falls in the financial sector signalling a new source of income in the near future, and/or a fresh start in general.

1st February 2006 - 28th February 2006
The force continues to be with you in February, and in the shape of planet Venus who finally turns direct on the third, setting your life back on course and giving you more than one reason to smile. The sun and Mercury transit the money zone and the area of travel and communications so there is a general sense of your being on the move and making progress. The only fly in the ointment could prove to be Neptune - a planet renowned for creating muddles and indecision, if not a degree of dishonesty - so although hopes may be high and your motives beyond reproach you will need to be on the alert for people who say one thing and mean another, and for situations that once seemed full of promise to disintegrate without so much as a by your leave.

But let's talk money and self-worth. At this time of year, each year, you have the opportunity to put finances on a new and better footing; it is usually the best month to set up new financial structures and to talk money with banks and financial institutions. However, until the 13th there are all sorts of potholes to avoid, not least tying yourself into agreements that a) might turn out to be full of loopholes or b) become too costly for you to manage. The way around this is to delay putting pen to paper until the second half of February and to err on the side of caution when it comes to large financial commitments, purchases and investments. And if moneys you are expecting fail to materialize or a job offer turns out not to be worth the paper it is written on, put it all down to Neptune and get back in the saddle.

Valentine's Day always makes February a month when thoughts focus on romance and relationships but this year more than ever for you. Venus could turn this February into romantic heaven for many Capricorns and setting the day a reality for some. The weekend of the 11th would be my pick for a wedding day or the giving or receiving of a ring. As for the 14th itself, a Mercury-Uranus conjunction ensures there will be a surprise element to the day, whether you are the one stage-managing events or you are on the receiving end of one.

The month ends on a new moon and a Mercury-Pluto square - perfect for shredding an old life script and creating a whole new one.

1st March 2006 - 31st March 2006
Voyages of discovery are March's astrological theme. The sun and Mercury will be transiting the travel and communication zone, making the going interesting to say the least. The combination of retrograde Mercury, Uranus and a lunar eclipse produce several red lights throughout the month, whether a trip has to be cancelled at the last moment, or it suddenly becomes necessary for you to make an unexpected journey. Likewise, meetings and exchanges of information will be full of U-turns, go-slows and dead stops. Nonetheless, expeditions whether in the literal or metaphorical sense, could also inspire positive life-changes.

March is a pivotal month for the whole zodiac: it begins with a volatile sun-Uranus conjunction and ends on a total solar eclipse in Aries, and in between there are tough connections to Saturn and Pluto, not to mention a retrograde Mercury. Clearly, the next six to eight weeks are going to produce some powerful events on the world's stage, and we can expect to see some leadership changes, a reshuffle or two in the corridors of power, even a natural or not-so-natural disaster. And where travel and communications are concerned, we can forget about getting anywhere in a hurry and a straight line. Of course, tough alignments produce wonderful events too so don't rule out announcements of marriage in royal/celebrity circles and a major scientific or medical break-through.

Venus will be making the first of her annual visits to the area of finance and self-worth, so money and property matters should be thriving, and you can also build on the personal or professional successes of the previous couple of months. The Venus-Saturn opposition of the 11th may produce a mid-month cash-flow crisis, yet this is also an excellent aspect upon which to commit yourself to long-term agreements.

The last week of March has much to offer in the way of revelations, realizations and fresh starts. With Mercury turning direct on the 25th a matter that has been causing confusion will be on its way to resolution, and you may also discover why someone has been reluctant to let you know how he or she feels and what has been going on behind the scenes. However, the most important feature of this last week is the total solar eclipse of the 29th: a surprise development in family life is signalled here, and the onset of a brand new cycle for domestic affairs. On the same day, Pluto heads into retrograde, and since this planet is currently stationed in the deep and meaningful twelfth house, a journey into the hidden recesses of your mind could be on the agenda. Those of you who are more introspective might find that you are not simply de-cluttering your home, but also spring cleaning your psyche. In other words, Capricorn, if you are carrying any excess emotional baggage, now is the time to dump it!

1st April 2006 - 30th April 2006
A change of season brings a change of rhythm and focus. The sun travels through the base of your horoscope replenishing the roots of life, and providing a sense of rebirth and regeneration. The solar eclipse of 29th March started a new year-long cycle here, which may be particularly noticeable this April in the way of changes within the family and the home. However, this area of the chart also has much to do with foundations of ambitions, so April becomes a premium time for beginning new professional ventures and for building sold structures to support burgeoning ideas and hopes. Saturn, your ruler turns direct on the 5th so you may well see a positive turn-around in finances, and at least there will be fewer delays and obstructions regarding monetary matters. Indeed, you should find April a vast improvement on March.

Not that April is a breeze each and every day. The week of the 3rd finds Mars and Pluto in opposition, thus upping the potential for conflict and certainly confrontation. We will surely see some impressive results of escalating tension in the Middle East prior to Easter, and the Bush administration will have to be very careful how it plays events in the early to mid part of this month. While in the Christian World Easter is a time of celebration, for many other creeds it is simply business as usual. In your case this Mars-Pluto opposition flanks the axis of work, service and lifestyle, so should there be any simmering issues related to such things, they should reach boiling point on or near the 8th - the purpose being to resolve any issues once and for all. Given that you already have a theme of new starts in your solar chart, events during the first half of April could be all you need to send you off in a more profitable and satisfactory direction. Also, should you be less than pleased with your health and fitness levels, now may be the perfect time to begin a new regime and finally attend to lingering problems.

On the 14th Mars arrives in the relationship zone where he will chivvy up your love life for a good few weeks. Combined with Venus' transit of Pisces, sex, love and romance could make a come-back, and you should not underrate the power of the written word when it comes to furthering a relationship. The downside to Mars' new position is that it will root out any enemies, and certainly those people who do not have your best interests at heart. Be particularly cautious in your dealings with others on and around the 18th - tempers are lost and bonds are easily broken at this time.

The sun will move into the pleasure-driven fifth house on the 20th, tweaking your need for fun and adventure, and bringing out your creative spirit - a trend that will continue on through May. The input of Saturn and Pluto during the final week of April could make for a hard-working, tough-talking period but at least what you set in stone, will last for the duration.

1st May 2006 - 31st May 2006
If people have been commenting that you seem to have curbed your enthusiasm to the extent that you have become cynical and grouchy, May's effervescent stars are clearly just what the doctor ordered. The sun and Mercury will be transiting the creative and pleasure-oriented fifth house, while Venus will be gracing the area of home and family - all of which adds up to an especially good month for family events, domestic projects and social occasions. Indeed, some celestial Goats could be celebrating a new arrival in the family or a brand new project that could add to your financial status and certainly your bank of happiness.

One of the most fascinating features of May's astrology is the presence of a Grand Cross - an alignment of four or more planets, made up of squares and oppositions, which is in play between the 4th and 15th. Without becoming too technical, when planets are in this tense alignment, they bring all manner of issues to crunch point, and there is a feeling of having reached a giant cross-roads. While this configuration will certainly present itself in the form of moral and political crises for world leaders, in our own lives we too must make some wise decisions in a confusing and pressurized climate. For you, this Grand Cross falls in the areas of your chart related to feelings and creative endeavours, so aside from the prospect of a birth of some description, you may find that you must accept certain limitations on your time, energy and feelings due to a major financial issue or an intimate relationship. Now, this could seem to be a complete contradiction to statements I made in the first paragraph, but it may be that even a welcome event such as a baby, a new job or a house move, brings with it extra responsibilities. If, on the other hand, it becomes clear that an association must end or that another road has run out, try to be as philosophical about it as you can be - as one door shuts, another opens...

From the 19th, the area of work and health begins to take precedence. Between now and late June represents a premium period for getting your house in order and preparing the ground, whether indeed in the sense of getting fitter and healthier, or putting your life under the microscope and editing those parts of it that are plainly and simply not working. On the 29th, beautiful Venus enters the most romantic zone of your horoscope all set to give June its moments of drama and delight.

I am sorry this forecast was delayed. The original sending was lost and both my webmaster and I have been in transit over the last 3 days. We have now added better facilities for updating forecasts.

1st June 2006 - 30th June 2006
June, like the British weather, is unpredictable. The month opens on a powerful Mercury-Pluto opposition and the climate thereafter is pretty stormy. The sixth house of service and systems is in the frame, and this is the month to sort out any lingering health problems and to set your life - especially working life - on a more organized and streamlined footing. Pluto and Uranus help you give outdated systems the old heave-ho (and we could be talking computers and domestic appliances here), although you may find that some other pillars of your existence have to be repaired or replaced in the process.

Since many countries have major events planned for June, the alignments involving Pluto and Uranus underscore the importance and celebratory nature of national occasions, yet they will surely produce some shocks and tremors too. On the 3rd, Mars enters the regal sign of Leo for a six-week transit and on the 18th this assertive planet hooks up to heavy-metal, Saturn - and at the same time as the sun-Pluto opposition. Mid-month, therefore, will be a time to watch for international dramas and the push-comes-to-shove syndrome. This conjunction falls on President Bush's Mercury-Pluto-Ascendant combo, and Tony Blair's South Node, so neither of them is in great shape in June, and there could be some serious threats to their tenures as leaders (as if there haven't been enough already).

Finances are in the sights of the Mars-Saturn conjunction, and since you tend to thrive under Saturn, the second half of June could produce a welcome monetary development. Mars-Saturn combos bring reality to bear and whatever deals are struck at the time will prove binding and long-lived. Nonetheless, there is something distinctly joyless about Mars and Saturn, so if a working relationship or financial partnership hits a rut in the road, do your best to put a positive spin on matters - what doesn't kill you will surely cure you!

On the 21st the sun enters the relationship sector of your horoscope and with a new moon taking place there over the weekend of the 24th, a fresh cycle is set in motion for your love life: a sign of better things to come indeed.

1st July 2006 - 31st July 2006
During July the sun, Mercury and Venus will all pass through the seventh house of partnerships, making this and the first half of August the most important period of 2006 for love and relating. You may have intuitively understood this, and set special dates in your diary for romantic occasions, perhaps a wedding day, and even if you haven't given a thought to your love life, or, indeed, the significant role certain people play in your existence, by mid-August you could have cause to ruminate on the ancient wisdom - keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.

After the planetary heat of June, July�s influences have much to recommend them. Even with Mercury in retrograde between the 4th and 29th, there are many benign alignments, and in tandem, national and international affairs may be more fruitful than fraught. However, the Grand Cross in fixed signs will be loosely in place, so it may seem as if more than one situation is refusing to budge, and there will be very little give when it comes to matters of law and enforcement. Many of the world�s leading figures, including Tony Blair, George Bush, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have relentless Saturn and nebulous Neptune on key planets and points in their natal charts, and it remains a mystery to me as to why the gathering gloom has not yet resulted in a truly serous crisis, although leaked information from the enquiry into the death of Princess Diana must be sending seismic waves through Britain's corridors of power. With this in mind, events on or near the Mars-Neptune opposition of the 5th and the full moon in Capricorn of the 11th could precipitate a minor tsunami...Pluto also puts in a double appearance on the 14th so the first half of July looks to be the most scandal ridden and generally explosive.

Clearly, the full moon in Capricorn is one of the year's power points for you - the familiar theme of endings and beginning is playing long and loud, whether you are ready to tie the knot with a partner or an organization, or because a relationship has served its purpose and it's time to move onward and upward. Since Mars will be in the area of shared resources for much of the month, other people may prove difficult to deal with where finances are concerned, so it will be up to you to wave the olive branch and promote the cause of compromise. Fortunately, peace-maker, Venus is bringing up the rear, and from the 19th those people who appear to be on a war-footing could prove a whole lot easier to deal with. Also, if you are single and looking for love this same date marks the beginning of a month long period when chance meetings could turn into full blown love affairs.

The last week of July is the most promising of the month, so by all means schedule your most important meetings and functions between the 22nd and 31st. And since, on the 22nd, Mars will move into the ninth house of far horizons, one reason for high spirits and raised hopes could be the prospect of a trip or a vacation.

1st August 2006 - 31st August 2006
This is the month for getting your financial affairs in order as the sun highlights your zone of joint investments. The full moon of the 9th indicates the end of one financial era, ergo, the beginning of another, so this would be a good time to re-think fiscal strategies and to discuss matters with lending institutions, business partners and those who contribute to your finances or benefit from them. While it is vital to be financially secure it is equally as important to enjoy money, both in the sense of how you earn it and use it.

Being an ambitious hard-working sign, you may have achieved some of your targets only to discover that happiness eludes you, which is why you need to think outside the box on this subject. This area of the chart, however, is not just about money but the deeper, more intimate, layers of relationships, thus, August is also a time when new relationships can deepen and long-standing partnerships benefit from some soul to soul discussions. So far, so good. The problem with August is that there are some highly complex configurations which could throw doubts over the viability of certain endeavours and associations. And, perhaps, the most important of these planetary combos is the Saturn-Neptune opposition.

I have written a separate piece on the Saturn-Neptune opposition, which becomes exact on the 31st of this month, so you'll have plenty of food for thought should you find yourself wondering why you're making little progress and running into troughs of low pressure at inappropriate intervals. August is always a strange (and often uneventful) month in politics, but given mid-July sparked another major conflict in the Middle East, under these relentless influences we can expect an intensifying of hostilities - not just in Lebanon - and very little progress on the diplomatic front. I'd like to believe that the Jupiter-Uranus trine, which is both ebullient and barrier-breaking, will provide a balance for this depressing opposition but we will have to wait until the very end of the month before we see what rabbits these two can pull out of the hat. The usual suspects - that's President Bush, and Prime Minister Blair - face a dark and difficult summer break, although with the world in such crisis, their individual careers and reputations pale into insignificance.

In your case, the Saturn-Neptune opposition flanks the aforementioned axis of finances and joint concerns, so while Saturn is urging you to secure agreements and make concrete plans, Neptune is doing his best to dissolve them, or at least make the going less than straightforward and generating doubts and confusion in the process. My suggestion is to pull back for now - what will not come together on its own may just need more time - and once the sun arrives in the lofty ninth house (23rd) you'll be in a better position to see where you're going. Likewise, with a romantic relationship, give the other person plenty of space without letting him or her walk all over you. Remaining present but fluid is the way to reach the end of August with all your ducks in a row.

1st September 2006 - 30th September 2006
The ninth house of your solar chart is playing host to much of September's planetary activity, so you may find yourself suddenly yearning for distant places and looking to expand your life horizons in some way. Some Capricorns may be starting a study course, others seeking a different sphere for their talents, and, a few, feeling the restrictions of certain commitments and relationships, and looking for fresh pastures. In many ways, this is the perfect month to take a holiday or to spend time with people whom you do not see too often. On the other hand, your life-horizons may be changed by the actions of people and organizations in high places or far-off locations.

September, like August, is a big month in astrological terms. The Saturn-Neptune opposition is still dominating the heavens (and, if you need to gen up on this transit, please go to the article dedicated to it on the website...CLICK HERE) so we are still trying to get to grips with reality and watching some very weird situations unfold out there on the world's stage. There are two eclipses to take into account - neither of them total eclipses but nonetheless they can still pack a powerful punch. The first - a lunar eclipse in Pisces - appears on the 7th, and harks back to March in terms of eclipses and events, and the second, on the 22nd, is a solar eclipse in Virgo. Eclipses set in motion events that shape the destiny of nations, and also our own lives, should they fall on key planets and points in our charts, so anything that emerges on or around the time of an eclipse must be taken seriously. The period of the 11th - 17th looks to be the most impressive: transformational Pluto is centre stage, so we can expect some dramatic entrances and exits on the political scene and a rattling of sabres from the usual suspects. The sun's entry into Libra on the 23rd, followed by Venus on the 30th, heralds the beginning of a calmer period, and certainly one in which dialogue and debate pave the way for peace and concord.

Given that these eclipses highlight the axis of communications, you may find that around the 7th, 16th and 22nd, you reach a junction of some description. If you are travelling on or around these dates, you will need to allow a little more time for your journeys and there could be some detours and delays to contend with; likewise, if you are in discussion with others near these times the atmosphere could become heated and you may run into obstacles. Should you need to cut your ties with an organization or an individual you will have ample opportunity to do so under these super-charged aspects. And even if you would rather everything stayed the same, the time may well have come to branch out in new directions.

On the 8th, Mars reaches the Mid-heaven of your solar chart, thus marking the beginning of a six-week period of intense activity on the job front, and/or regarding your personal goals. So, should you be looking to relocate or find a new avenue for your talents, Mars will help you assert yourself and impress those who must be impressed. While there may be no change on the romance and relationship front in September, your primary concern looks to be your career and your place in the world. In other words, this is a month to focus on getting ahead and surviving in a material world - affairs of the heart can look after themselves for now.

1st October 2006 - 31st October 2006
With the challenges of August and September behind us we can all look forward to better times in October. Until the 23rd there are almost no hard angles to the senior planets (Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) to hamper us, which means global hostilities should lessen and the climate will be suitable for discussion, debate, new peace agreements and generally more co-operation between nations and leaders. Of course, having put my pen where my astrological judgement is it wouldn't surprise me to find that a simmering hot spot boils over and that there are further terrorist outrages. However it is unlikely...by the 22nd this little patch of perfection will be over: the sun, Mars and Venus head into Scorpio, Mercury is squared by Saturn(23rd) and Mercury turns retrograde (28th), all of which is likely to create a more intense atmosphere, and we may see some reversals of decisions, and certainly far less progress made in war-torn areas.

The first three weeks of October is potentially one of the most dynamic periods of 2006. Planets will be grouped in the tenth house of your solar chart, thereby encouraging you to push forward with your ambitions and to make sure that people in positions of power and usefulness know you're there. (Please make that call and bang your own drum!) This is a premium time for career matters, with some Capricorns gaining promotion, others moving to a better job and a few receiving some kind of award or recognition. Sometimes Mars' presence in a given area creates conflict, so you may have to watch that a professional relationship does not deteriorate or that in your attempts to be noticed someone's nose isn't put out of joint. By contrast, Venus will be bringing her fortunate presence to bear in the same area, so a person of importance could look favourably upon you, or romance may spring up in the work place or with a senior colleague. The weekend of the 7th signals the end of a chapter, first and foremost regarding work and second in relation to home and family - if this is a somewhat emotional time, don't be afraid to express all those feelings: new directions need to appear and old patterns must be broken.

After the 23rd, you may experience a slow-down in progress and a subtle shift of emphasis from pursuing your primary goals to enjoying time with family and friends. From this point team-work will be more effective than solo efforts and cooperation more important than approval. If an endeavour should falter during the last week, or you sense that all is not well with an association, while I am not recommending your abdicating control I am suggesting that you consider the possibility that the situation has run its course. Whatever, the case, retrograde Mercury will now help you to reflect and re-think former decisions.

1st November 2006 - 30th November 2006
The big event this month is the entry of Jupiter into the sign it rules, Sagittarius. Clearly this is extremely good news for all Sagittarians, since the planet of increase will be transiting their sign until December 2007, but, hopefully, this planet's expansive nature will help us all take some impressive leaps of faith and encourage us to follow the spirit of religion as opposed to the dogma. Jupiter enters Sagittarius on the 24th, less than forty-eight hours after a sun-Jupiter conjunction in the final degree of Scorpio, and while this may prove to be a terrifically happy and successful period for those with birthdays on or near this date, new beginnings made at that time (whatever your sun sign) are auspicious indeed. We should look at global developments here too, whether we see magnanimous gestures on the part of leaders and governments or an aggressive show of power. Jupiter does not have the astrological stage to itself, however, and as if to remind us that the best things in life have to be earned and that all actions have consequences, Saturn makes regular appearances in November, and since Neptune is still in opposition to Saturn, especially around the 8th, 17th and 29th we will need to read between the lines when it comes to statements of national and international importance: the distance between reality and fabrication may never have been greater. While such influences would not be out of place with an announcement of a withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and a subsequent aura of failure and defeat hovering over the Bush administration - their chances of keeping the Senate Republican are slim - we may be looking also at a severe loss of face inspired by leaks and betrayal for Tony Blair upon whose Mid-heaven Neptune will be sitting.

Fortunately for you Capricorn is one sign that works well with Saturn so you may well find that situations come together very satisfactorily in November, and around the aforementioned dates. On the other hand, with Mercury in retrograde until the 18th, getting from A to B in terms of travel and understandings/agreements is likely to be protracted. And while this may translate as a general trend, finances could be particularly vulnerable to hitches and glitches. You will need to be extra thorough with statements from the bank and credit card companies, and you should be a little more protective of your personal possessions. You also may find that receiving credit for your efforts or being treated as you deserve is hard work, and there could be a shortfall in praise and financial remuneration. Be your usual stoical self, because even if you do hit some ruts in the road, you'll get there eventually.

A workmanlike attitude to life, love and finances is necessary in November: you'll find people worthy of your love will remain true, even if they turn a little critical and complaining from time to time, and those things that are not built to last will surely reveal their cracks. The periods around the 17th and 29th are pregnant with moments of truth, and you should not hesitate to be ruthless in your decision-making then. Jupiter's entry into your preceding sign could prove very fruitful in the coming year - seeds sown in the next few months will be in fertile ground, and you should reap the harvest of your efforts later in 2007 and 2008.

1st December 2006 - 31st December 2006
It has always seemed a little unfair to me that while the rest of the zodiac is having the time of its life during the run up to Christmas, Capricorn is experiencing its most sensitive period of the year. Well, that may be an exaggeration, most people may be out and about spending money like cheap wine but almost all of them will be feeling the pressure under these challenging alignments.

Each year at this time the sun squares Uranus and conjoins Pluto and often there are other alignments which add to this powerful mix, resulting in upheavals of a personal and global nature. Take the tsunami of 2004, for instance, which began as the moon clipped the degree of the sun-Pluto conjunction just prior to becoming full. Between the 1st and 22nd of December there will be no less than five planets in the sign of Sagittarius, so there is a concentration of 'energy' in one area of the cosmos: in a natal chart this often manifests as an individual who is a specialist, one who is very focused, and in terms of events there can be a last-straw effect to be observed. Put another way, people reach the end of their tethers and take extreme measures to prove their point. The period from the 15th to the 23rd is potentially the most explosive and we may see a lot of sabres being rattled by world leaders and another terror alert that interferes with our travel and our peace of mind. The year closes with war lord, Mars, and Master of Mystery, Neptune, in harmony, which is perfect for a champagne entry into 2007 but also a compassionate end to a year that has been full of strife and conflict.

Until the 22nd the sun will be moving through the twelfth house of your solar chart, which is why you may not feel quite the life and soul of the party. Your batteries are in need of a re-charge, so a few early nights and a lot less stress should be the order of each and every day. This is an ideal time to have a medical or dental check-up and to attend to minor distress signals wherever they may appear before they become major. The inner world of dreams and intuitions is more accessible to you, and the seeds of plans can be sown in your mind with a view to their manifesting in reality in time to come. Should you feel that people are keeping you out of the loop or that someone is maintaining his/her distance from you, do your best not to become paralysed by paranoia - once the sun emerges from its closeted position, you will be back in the saddle and ready to boogie.

By contrast Venus will be in your sign from the 11th so your desire for beauty and love is at a peak. Some Capricorns may receive a pay rise or some other proof of their worth in tangible terms; others may find that a romance takes off or that a relationship suddenly gets back its magic, and a few may may begin to see more of the flaws than the assets in a partnership. Your appearance almost always reaps the benefit of a Venus transit, whether you buy a little je ne sais quoi for yourself, or because other people suddenly see you in a new and more attractive light.

The Uranus and Pluto flavour to the month may well translate as an epiphany - a sudden realization that you love someone, for instance, or an understanding that you can no longer continue with a certain state of affairs- but whatever emerges out of the woodwork you will be able to start 2007 with a feeling that something is done and dusted and you are free to explore new territory.

1st January 2007 - 31st January 2007
Compared to December January's stars are a dream. Venus spends most of the month in Aquarius generally sweetening life for members of this sign and helping those of the opposite sign (Leo) find and celebrate love. The full moon of the 3rd is in Cancer and, like all full moons helps us close a chapter and begin a new one - something we tend to do anyway at the start of a new year., although of course, for Cancerians, this process is profoundly more marked. The Mars - Pluto conjunction of the 13th is the last in a series of aspects between the personal planets and Pluto, so events mid-month may well have a connection between those of the 8th-25th December. (Here in Great Britain the enquiry into the death of Princess Diana confirmed that it was an accident - not a white-wash surely? And on the same day (14th December) Prime Minister Tony Blair was questioned by police in the cash for honours enquiry - not an attempt to bury bad news, surely? - and in keeping with Pluto's principles of dark deeds, a nationwide police hunt began for serial killer of five young prostitutes, which resulted in an arrest just before Christmas.) On January 16th Mars enters Capricorn for a six-week transit - OK Cappies, it's time to get moving and motoring! And on the 20th the sun arrives in Aquarius. These last ten days of January present a complex and certainly variety-packed picture. In a nutshell the theme is chickens coming home to roost (courtesy Saturn Lord of Karma) so if we've spent too much money over Christmas we'll be paying the price at this time, and, in general, both on the world's stage and in our own lives we'll be looking at the cost of actions taken some time ago.

As the new year begins, your thoughts are on a relationship. You may be thinking in terms of more permanence (a new year proposal is a distinct possibility) while some of you may be considering the advantages of single life. The full and new moons this month also straddle your relationship axis which means that, one way or another, a new chapter is beginning for you. On the 16th fresh energy and a competitive spirit enters your life, giving you the courage to pursue your dreams. You have, no doubt been feeling below par recently, but Mars' entry into your first solar house will re-invigorate you and encourage positive action. At the end of the month, there may be new financial arrangements in place and some serious discussions concerning the management of joint finances. Your ruling planet, Saturn, is in the picture here and is usually in evidence when relationships move up a notch. That's not all that could be changing for you - you may even decide to break with tradition or begin a new professional venture as a result of events during the week of the 22nd. An exciting start to the new year for many celestial Goats.

1st February 2007 - 28th February 2007
With a full moon opening to February the theme of endings and beginnings is clearly stamped on our astrology. The moon is in Leo so members of this sign and those of Aquarius are in the front row when it comes to bringing to a close anything that has outlived its usefulness. Relationships for these two signs in particular appear to be at a crossroads, and with Valentine's Day coming in between a sun-Saturn opposition (10th) and a Venus Pluto square (20th), the scent of final straws is in the air! This is far from a light and frothy month, primarily due to the applying Saturn-Neptune opposition. (And if you want to know more about this important transit, please click on the article relating to it on the home page.) This opposition is exact on the 28th, and from the middle of February onwards we can expect to see events out on the world's stage reflecting its theme of sacrifice and redemption on the one hand, and the erosion of established structures on the other. Among those for whom the Saturn-Neptune bell tolls are: Fidel Castro (sun: 20 Aquarius), Tony Blair (Pluto: 20 Leo), George W. (Venus: 21 Leo) and Queen Elizabeth (Mars: 20 Aquarius and Neptune: 22 Leo).

Since your ruler, Saturn is in the picture here you can expect to be re-visiting the events which took place at the end of August last year. Some of you may have experienced a loss of some kind - financial or otherwise. Finances, or things you value, are once again in the frame and you may feel obliged to help a friend in need or offer financial support. Think carefully before offering help which will threaten your own security because you celestial Goats need the stability of a healthy bank balance to feel content. With the Saturn-Neptune opposition referred to above, you may be once again be weighing up the benefits of going it alone against the ties and responsibilities of commitment. Of course you are very well equipped to deal with long term relationships but the prospect of sharing your bank account with another might, at the moment, be a little worrisome for you. On the other hand, without someone by your side you might feel slightly adrift. There is no need to make any snap decisions, so take your time and use your worldly wisdom to do what is right for you.

1st March 2007 - 31st March 2007
What can you say about a month that has two eclipses in it, the first of which is not only a total lunar but conjunct/opposition lively Uranus, and the second, a partial solar, which squares Pluto? I'd say it's one of those periods in which matters that have been rumbling underground for some while erupt with the force of a minor volcano! March is a very cleansing month: think de-tox and de-clutter, whether in terms of our homes and our offices or in regard to our opinions and belief systems. The periods around the eclipses (3rd and 19th) are the most dynamic or disruptive, depending on your perspective, and the final ten days with its heavy concentration of Saturn are the most hard work. Could we have an announcement about a forthcoming wedding for Prince William and Kate Middleton? Very possibly. And will events in the Middle East be the cause of even greater consternation? Almost certainly.

The eclipses fall on the axis of travel and communications in your horoscope, so anything from an unexpected to journey to distant parts or a surprise item of news from a person or an organization could be on the menu. And in general what you see and hear has the capacity to alter your perspective on one situation in particular and life in general. Mercury will be retrograde until the 8th so the start to March could be particularly frustrating - missed messages and delays in transport and transportation are likely to be the order of the day and you will need to take extra pains to make sure that information has reached is destination and that data and contracts you are expecting have been sent.

Until the 17th Venus will be spreading sweetness and light in the domestic arena - a heavy dose of decoration and refurbishment for some celestial Goats, and for others good news - or at least interesting developments in the family. Wedding announcements could be on their way, even news of an addition to the family. And if you're looking for love, you'll probably find it close to home.

The second half of March is dominated by yet a second eclipse and Pluto, Saturn and Neptune, thus even if all is well with you and your life you may not feel exactly cheerful. Finances could be the reason for some angst, although the agreements you reach and the policies you put in place will prove successful in time. (Also, should a property fall through do not despair - it could come back on the market or you will find a better alternative.) Capricorn is used to making practical decisions and no matter what the provocation in terms of events of the last ten days, don't be sidetracked by emotional blackmail or allow your own feelings to interfere with sound judgement.

1st April 2007 - 30th April 2007
Until the 20th, the sun makes its annual visit to the fourth house of domesticity giving you an opportunity to connect with the extended family and to focus on strengthening close family bonds; there may also be a lot more to do with the home itself - a general de-clutter on the one hand and some serious decorating and refurbishing on the other. The Easter period is preceded by a full moon and dominated by a graceful Grand Trine, which may translate as the celebration of a wedding, christening or birth. Then again, union and birth can be seen as a metaphor for reconnection and fresh starts.

And speaking of fresh starts... Since December last year Saturn, your ruler, has been in retrograde which may have had the effect of frustrating your financial efforts and denying you the intimacy you desire in a particular relationship. With Saturn turning direct on the 19th the blocks and limitations which have been imposed upon you will gradually melt away. Perhaps a love affair has been slow to get started; maybe you or your partner has been holding back for some reason but by the end of April you should sense that something has shifted and you are moving forward rather than remaining stuck in reverse gear. Of course it is very important for Capricorns to sense that they are heading towards a goal, and the knock-on effect of Saturn's return to normal service is that you will regain your focus and drive.

Mars heads into the travel zone of your horoscope on the 6th - just in time for the holiday weekend. However, Mars will transit this area until late May so even if you don't opt to take a break at Easter you will have opportunities to see a little more of your world later. Indeed, with Uranus adding his spontaneous spirit to the proceedings from the 23rd April - 2nd May there could be an unexpected reason for travel or you could decide to cut and run - hopefully just from the routine round but if your patience is exhausted with someone or something, maybe freeing yourself from a commitment is the best thing you can do.

1st May 2007 - 31st May 2007
The sun's passage through the creative fifth house should tweak your desire to get a little more fun out of life, and with Venus transiting the relationship zone (8th May - 5th June) some of that fun could have a very romantic aura to it. (More about this shortly.) In terms of creativity, May could find you beginning a new work project or focusing your energies on children and the younger generation. The full moon of the 2nd ends a gestation period, which will in some cases signal the birth of a little human being in the near future and in others mark the point at which an endeavour that has been 'cooking' for some while is ready to be served up for public consumption. The first week of May ends on a promising Jupiter-Saturn trine, encouraging you to have faith in long term investments - financial and otherwise - and helping you to plant seeds of any sort in fertile ground.

So far, so good. The only blot on your landscape is likely to appear during the following week of the 7th. The Saturn-Neptune opposition, currently flanking the financial axis of your horoscope, will be brought into sharp relief, which may inspire a cash-flow crisis or the termination of an agreement - think insurance policies here or mortgage accounts rather than job closures and redundancies. Only you can decide precisely what to do in the wake of any events that smack of force majeure but since the rest of your solar chart is in pretty good shape I would urge against any panic moves.

Now for lovely Venus. This planet's journey through the seventh house of relationships encourages unions of all kinds - romantic, personal, professional and familial - so from the 8th you'll be able to build bridges and mend fences. However, for some Capricorns this is a period in which you will meet a new partner or make moves that will put a romance onto a stronger, more permanent footing. Indeed, with the exception of that week of the 7th, May should turn out to be a very merry month for you.

1st June 2007 - 30th June 2007
The sun transits your health and lifestyle zone this month so this would be a very good time to consider whether you are in the right job and/or living the way you really want to. A sudden opportunity may present itself between the 5th - 9th as the sun opposes Jupiter, then squares Uranus. The new moon of the 15th also highlights your daily routines, so some of you could be starting a new job around this time, while others may be beginning a new healthy-living campaign. Perhaps you need to get a better work/life balance? Capricorns are known for being ultra ambitious and focused in the pursuit of their goals, but you may now realise that you are not superhuman and should cherish your health and fitness as much as your aspirations. You are also beginning to realise that material things are not the most important to you as Jupiter and Pluto are both transiting your most spiritual zone, bringing enlightenment and growth into your life.

After the 21st, the emphasis switches to your relationships. Mercury turns retrograde on the 15th in your relationship zone, so you might find that communicating in general becomse more troublesome. Capricorns are not known for talking about their feelings, but there is an opportunity this month to become more intimate with someone special by opening up a little and baring your soul. If a relationship has been floundering, you may need to examine the past and try to learn from your mistakes and in doing so, you may find that commitment is a much more attractive option than you had first realised. The Mars-Jupiter trine of the 1st is a very promising aspect for joint endeavours, and it just might be just the time to take a leap of faith where one association is concerned.

1st July 2007 - 31st July 2007
Hark...could there be wedding bells in the air! The Venus Saturn conjunction of the 1st smacks of commitment and the sun and new moon both highlight your zone of partnerships. For some of you a new relationship is a distinct possibility, while for others an established partnership will receive a powerful injection of energy. However, being the ambitious, career-focused sign that you undoubtedly are, these planetary positions could just as well be related to business partnerships. Venus in the sign of Leo could mean sizzling sex, or a boost to your joint income - and in some cases both!

Throughout July Mars is energising your love and romance zone, but it could be showering you with worldly goods too. Whichever way the cookie crumbles it looks like you are in for some very fortunate experiences: if you are looking for love it will not be hard to find, but if your career is more important to you, you can make some useful contacts or long-term investments.

The only fly in the astrological ointment could appear on or near the 24th. Mars-Neptune angles are notorious for putting up smoke screens and causing all sorts of doubts and fears to arise - or delusions of success to emerge. Thus, be very careful what you put your signature to at this time and do your research before you reach a conclusion.

As the month ends we return to the subject of money and relationships. A full moon on the axis of self-worth and shared values (30th) symbolizes the closing of a circle, the culmination of a process. And while you may not understand quite what this means on the 30th itself, you may come to do so within the following two to four weeks. Certainly, if a distress signal is issued at this time, do not treat it as an anomaly - it will be much easier to resolve a problem in its infancy than when it becomes too hot to handle!

1st August 2007 - 31st August 2007
You are at your most introspective this August. Perhaps you have things of a financial nature on your mind, or maybe you are engrossed in a powerful love affair, but whatever the reason for your more interior focus don't fight it - as soon as the sun moves into the ninth house of far horizons (23rd) you'll be out of the deeps and ready to boogie!

As I mentioned in my general forecast, August is packed with challenging aspects. There are conjunctions to Saturn, which tend to pour cold water on one's hopes, and oppositions to Neptune, which make for mysteries and disappointments. Of course, there is an upside to these same influences in that you may at last be able to resolve a financial headache and someone who has kept you dangling on a hook will finally give you a decision - and one that you'll like. Since you are one of the more self-restrained signs you probably don't need me to remind you to err on the side of economy in August but just in case someone tries to prize good money out of your pocket, please practice the no word.

There are real gains to be made from hard work now, especially where career is concerned. You may not receive immediate benefits from overtime and networking but seeds are being planted. There are changes afoot on the work front, some of which you may hear about around the time of the lunar eclipse (28th).

And while we're on the subject of eclipses... this one cuts across the axis of communications - hence the suggestion that you may hear of impending changes at work then - but some Capricorns could be presented with the prospect of an unexpected trip - possibly overseas - while others will be dealing with legal and contractual matters, also somewhat unexpectedly. Events that cluster around an eclipse are never insignificant so keep your eyes peeled for signs and signals of important things to come.

1st September 2007 - 30th September 2007
Saturn, your ruling planet, moves into the sign of Virgo this month, thus highlighting your zone of long distance travel, higher education, religion, philosophy and law. Given that the sun is also transiting this zone and a solar eclipse occurs here too on the 11th, this may well mark the beginning of a period in which your horizons will be broadened. In most cases this theme will express itself internally so that your desires to lead a fuller life and to make more of your talents and aspirations will be aroused. On the other hand, you may move far from home, head off to university or embark on a legal matter. Aspects to Pluto indicate that there are deep changes going on in your life, which are first and foremost psychological or spiritual in nature; this planet is, slowly but surely, re-moulding your psyche and transforming you into a new improved version of yourself. Capricorns do not readily take to change and are better known for their ability to achieve concrete goals rather than indulging in introspection and soul-searching; this month, however you may find yourself compelled to dig deep.

But onto more mundane matters... As I mentioned in my general forecast, September is a somewhat volatile month so from the outset you should expect people to be tough to deal with and that you will have to have alternatives up your sleeves when it comes to social arrangements and plans of a professional or financial nature. Try not to get yourself into a position where you have no cushion or escape hatch - especially where finances are concerned. Payments to you may be delayed as could meetings with financial partners or institutions. The antidote to any high-anxiety situations is exercise, and with Mars in the zone of health and fitness this is the perfect time to join a health club and to find ways in which to use your physical body. Competitive sports would be an ideal outlet too, and, with the shape your chart is in, you've got to be the winner!

1st October 2007 - 31st October 2007
The sun is spotlighting your career zone, which, as we all know, is crucial for you Capricorns. You are known for your ambitious nature and, this month, the new moon of the 11th heralds a new beginning in this area of your life. Some of you may therefore be starting another job around this time, while others, could be deciding to take the pedal off the metal and ease up a little. This may seem contradictory, but you are currently going through a period of spiritual growth and are beginning to realise that success can take place on many levels...it's no longer just a question of material success for you - you are getting more in touch with your giving side and feeling the need to be of service in some way. If you are still very much in your prime, you might want to consider how your workplace could become more eco-friendly or benefit the local community. Those of you approaching retirement might consider involvement with a charitable cause.

When Venus conjoins your ruler, Saturn, on the 14th, your zone of distant horizons is emphasised. Once again, there could be a spiritual emphasis here as religious matters are also under the auspices of this zone. You might be feeling blessed in some way, perhaps by achieving some educational success, or signing a legal contract of some kind. Ninth house matters will continue to be of significance for you during the coming months and the Venus-Saturn conjunction gets the ball rolling in a very positive way. Those of you who work in legal, educational or publishing fields will now enjoy the fruits of your labour or receive some recognition for your achievements.

1st November 2007 - 30th November 2007
The sun is highlighting the zone of group endeavours and collaborative projects so this is not a month to keep yourself to yourself but to team up with like-minded people, whether for business or pleasure. When it comes to choosing friends, you tend to be somewhat conservative, but unusual people could be appearing on your radar now who will take you in new and positive directions. From the 8th, Venus will be transiting the area of career and life-goals, giving you an excellent opportunity to market your talents and approach people who can help you achieve your ambitions. Women in positions of authority will be particularly encouraging, and you should not underrate the power of charm and flattery to get you where you want to go. Venus in this position could also give romance a higher priority in your life, and one or two of you could start to date someone in a senior position in the workplace.

On the 15th, Mars, currently in the sector of love and relating, turns retrograde, however, which could throw a relationship into reverse thrust. If someone starts to draw away from you after this point or there is a development in a partner's life that sets you back, try to remain positive because when Mars turns direct in a few weeks time, everything could be back on track.

On the 22nd, the sun begins its passage through the reclusive twelfth house. This may have the effect of turning off your social switch – in other words, you'll want to spend time home-alone and you'll be more reflective than of late. All this is to good purpose, however, because as soon as the sun enters your own sign just before Christmas your batteries will be recharged and you'll be starting a brilliant new cycle. The full moon of the 24th may bring all sorts of irrational worries to the surface – it may even coincide with a minor bout of flu – but while you should not ignore any red lights you need to remind yourself that you will be looking through a glass darkly at this point. Light and life will return shortly.

1st December 2007 - 31st December 2007
The best is worth waiting for, and in this case the best refers to planet Jupiter which has been waiting in the wings for the past year and is now ready to take centre stage in your life. The 18th is the day Jupiter enters your sign and it is from this point on that you will experience a flowering of one or more parts of your life, and certainly a sense of personal expansion (and we're not talking waistlines here, at least I hope not!).

However, before that time, the sun, Mercury and Jupiter will all be closeted in the obscure twelfth house, so you may feel anything but the life and soul of the party - indeed, you may be covered in doubts and not at all happy about someone's inexplicable behaviour. Try not to get stressed out and do your best to get adequate rest because your resources are low, and, as a result your mind is playing games with you and you are more vulnerable to the coughs, colds and sneezies that are doing the rounds. As soon as the sun enters your sign on the 20th you'll be back in the land of the living and raring to go.

Just how much you'll register all those important alignments taking place throughout the month rather depends on whether any of them are hitting your natal chart. These are some of the most transformational aspects we've had all year so you may find that situations which appeared to be going nowhere suddenly get their act together and that all sorts of secrets come out of the woodwork. In a psychological sense you are preparing the ground for big changes to come next year and beyond, so you could be mentally and emotionally deleting people from your life and endeavouring to wipe clean the slate of things that serve no purpose. By contrast the period from the 22nd to the end of the month could produce some marvellous events that promise to expand your life in the nicest of ways.

A full moon on Christmas Eve may be a beautiful thing to see but if you have a birthday then it is pointing to the completion of a cycle, and one associated with love and relationships: it is both a time to marry and a time to separate. And whenever your birthday, Christmas looks to be an emotional occasion this year so keep a plentiful supply of tissues at the ready. As for New Year's Eve, whatever you're doing, know in your heart that you're embarking on a year of wonderful opportunities.

1st January 2008 - 31st January 2008
While Capricorn tends to keep away from the spotlight, preferring to run the show not perform in it, there$s no chance of your taking a behind the scenes role in January. The bulk of the planets will be in your sign giving your ego a super-boost and urging you to take charge. We$ll come on to Pluto$s arrival in your sign shortly but for the moment the mere fact that the sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter will be there will help you make the most of your assets and your intentions. However, the start to the year is not the easiest, largely due to the combination of a Mars-Pluto opposition and a Venus-Saturn square. There$s a facing-up-to-facts feel about this astro-scape, which may mean that you begin 2008 without someone or something in your life. Now, this may be due to force of circumstance or the fact that your own tolerance threshold has been breached. Then again, you may suddenly decide that a purge of some description is necessary so that once the tree and the decorations have been stripped you go on through the house getting back to bare essentials.

The week of the 14th finds your ruler, Saturn, harmoniously trined by Jupiter, now in your sign, so a success of some description is at hand. This is an excellent aspect for business matters so if you are starting a fresh enterprise or signing on the dotted line of a financial or legal agreement, the best of prospects lie ahead. To add even more sparkle to the picture, Venus arrives in your sign on the 24th upping your charisma rating and, in some cases, making things very romantic indeed. If you$re single the period between this date and late February is a premium one for meeting new partners and setting romances on a more solid footing. So, don$t say you weren$t informed as to when you should be out strutting your booty!

Now for Pluto. This planet enters your sign on the 24th, initially just for six months but later in the year it will come back and stay for sixteen years. If you have a 21st-23rd December birthday you may be feeling the effect of this planet already: your life will have been turned upside down, whether for wonderful reasons or less than marvellous ones. The purpose of a Pluto transit is to evoke personal transformation; at core level you will be changing and the results of this will be a very different lifestyle and certainly a new set of belief-systems. And in general Pluto$s presence in your sign will change the way you look at the world.

One last word - Mercury. This planet turns retrograde on the 28th and, as usual, means that nothing in the realm of communication and travel runs according to plan. Nonetheless, you may find it very useful to go back over old ground and to take your time with a new project, especially a new relationship.

1st February 2008 - 29th February 2008
Lucky you! Even if you have told yourself that romance is for the birds and you have come to understand when good luck is handed out you're never there, you should have solid evidence in February that you are valued . For some Capricorns, this validation will occur in regard to your job but for others it will come through an affair of the heart. Venus and Jupiter in your sign are a recipe for romance and happy relationship developments, so, if you've booked the church already, well done (!) and, if you're crossing your fingers and toes for a proposal, relax and enjoy the anticipation. Then again, if you're single you should be out there flaunting your considerable assets because who can resist your charms with Venus and Jupiter behind your every move. The solar eclipse of the 7th points to a positive development for finances - this may not happen immediately but you should take note of what occurs around this date because casual offers and your own ideas could turn into realities before June. The second eclipse (21st) brings a matter to a close, especially one with legal overtones or with overseas connections. The latter part of the February may prove tough but it may also produce the successful culmination of months, if not years, of effort.

1st March 2008 - 31st March 2008
In late January Pluto entered your sign so the potential for deep-seated changes to occur within you has already begun. However, you may not as yet have seen any outer manifestation of those changes. That is until March... The periods on or near the 7th and 21st put Pluto centre stage, at the very least inspiring you to do a spot of garden maintenance but at best urging you to strip away the dead wood in one or more aspects of your life so that new shoots can emerge. And this process may well be triggered by circumstances beyond your control. (It's amazing how we fight change, even when we know we are hanging on to situations and habits that and people who are absolutely no good for us...) Events around the 7th could lead to an unexpected or outlook-changing trip and throughout the month you may find yourself coming up with brave new ideas or being on the receiving end of other people's brilliant plans. Mars will be spicing up the area of relationships from 4th March - 9th May, so sex could be back on the menu and you'll certainly know who are your friends and who your enemies. The full moon of the 21st ends a long cycle, first and foremost in regard to your career and second your base in life.

1st April 2008 - 30th April 2008
April is often a key period for the celestial Goat. The sun moves through the area of life-foundations focusing your attention on family matters and helping you put in the building blocks of new endeavours, especially those that concern your career, on the one hand, and your home, on the other. For some Capricorns, most probably those with birthdays on or near 21 December, there is a move away from the past so that anything that fades into history at this point is clearing a place for the new. And, in general, the first ten days of April urge all Capricorns to 'clean-house', whether in the literal sense of dusting and de-cluttering or in the metaphorical way of eliminating 'stuff' that is clogging up the psyche and preventing you from moving forward. Throughout the month Pluto in your sign, and Saturn, your ruler, form a brilliant Grand Trine with the sun, Mercury and Venus, so you will be seeing the rewards of months, if not years, of hard work. This is an especially good month for the Capricorn entrepreneur, so if you've been trying to get a creative project off the ground, now is the time to set out your market stall. And much the same could be said for affairs of the heart: as they say: feint heart never won fair lady. nor fair lad, come to that!

1st May 2008 - 31st May 2008
When the fifth house of your solar chart is occupied it's time to have fun and to give your creative muse an opportunity to reveal herself. Maybe you are taking a holiday or having a brilliant social life but if neither of these options is on the table make sure you devote some of May's free time to those things that give you pleasure. And this may, of course, include romance. An innocent or not-so-innocent flirtation could be on the menu and the spark in a long-established relationship could be reignited. Some Capricorns could be attending a school reunion or meeting up with long-lost friends at a gathering and in many ways May is a star-studded month simply because of the love and fellowship you find. On the 3rd, Saturn, your ruler, turns direct so a plan that experienced a set-back some time ago could be re-established and if you have had any legal dealings it is from this point that you'll start to see some results. The theme of returning over old ground could manifest quite literally in that you will revisit a place you once knew and although one should never live in the past, history has much to teach you during May and June.

1st June 2008 - 30th June 2008
You've got your work cut out in June. The area of work and life-systems is in the frame, and you can do much to create structures that will stand you in good stead for the future. In some cases a job is already on the line, and you are merely awaiting confirmation, but in others what happens during the course of the month will cause you to think long and hard about your professional future. There could be unexpected changes in the work-place and some new technology that will prove challenging to use. Health is also in the spotlight, whether you finally deal with a problem that has been bothering you for some while or because you take a look in the mirror and realize that a new diet and exercise regime could be a good idea. Try not to over-exert yourself on or near the 18th and if events at this time prove a mite stressful, avoid reaching for the gin and head instead to the gym. Mercury, the communications expert, will be in retrograde until the 19th so your other battle for the month will be getting from A to B in a straight line and making connections with other people but after this point you will be in the know and on the go. Another plus will be the arrival of Venus in the zone of relationships (18th). This planet will enable you to make beautiful plans for the future with your significant other, it will bring healing to those in relationship hell and if you're looking for love: go seek.

1st July 2008 - 31st July 2008
There is to be no feeling sorry for yourself under these stars - you should have ample evidence that you are loved and appreciated. Indeed, this could be the most romantic and confidence-boosting month of 2008. Jupiter has been gracing your sign since late December so you may have experienced a lucky break or two already but if not July could do the trick. Should you need to ask someone an important question, approach an organization with a view to employment or improving your financial prospects, make your move. All kinds of relationships benefit from these expansive influences and if you meet a new person, expect the connection to be powerful and mutually fulfilling. Of course, not every day is perfect and you will have your work cut out trying to bring joy and optimism to bear on or near the 10th; then again, this would be an excellent date upon which to make a decision that will last a lifetime. The full moon of the 18th is the only full moon this year in your sign so you are empowered: a circle is completed at this time, so if something ends, know that its time was over and if you are ready to take a relationship onto a new stage, the timing is right.

1st August 2008 - 31st August 2008
August is all about money and balance. On the one hand, there could be exceptional financial developments – an inheritance, a settlement, a high yield on a policy or a property sale – and, on the other, what happens in a partner's life or how people with whom you have a financial relationship behave could have a less than positive effect on your bank balance. Thus, getting your money house in order is the name of the game. But balance also becomes a theme in the way of the balance of power, which has a big effect on the well-being of a working or romantic relationship. It could be that you or the other party feels short-changed, even somewhat used and abused, which necessitates a stand-off or at least a serious discussion about the future. And I would recommend that you gave the other side a good hearing because the ball is in their court, or, rather, the sun is in their house! In general the planetary focus is on what happens in other's people's lives and how those events impact on yours. There could be sudden and unexpected changes to arrangements (watch the 6th, 16th and 23rd) and people will be far less easy to live with and deal with. Now, depressing as this may sound, simply knowing there are challenging planetary aspects and in consequence being a little more adaptable and philosophical could be enough to offset any potential difficulties, and you'll end up with one of the most dynamic months of 2008.

1st September 2008 - 30th September 2008
Ideally, you should be travelling to distant places this month or exchanging information with people far away but if you've just returned from your annual 'hols' you can still follow your stars by making journeys in consciousness instead. The sun-Saturn conjunction of the 4th trined by Jupiter could be the single-most important signpost of success of the year. You may receive positive news at this time or you may sense that everything is heading in the right direction. On the other hand, if you need some encouragement to get moving on a project close to your heart, don't waste a second. Not only are the sun and Jupiter on your side but Mars, Venus and Mercury will all transit the zone of life-goals and career, giving your ambitions a serious boost. September is the month to seek promotion, find the right job and get your material world in good shape. Uranus and Pluto may churn up the waters mid-month, creating ripples in relationships and making you feel less secure with certain situations but provided you don't resist change and remain open to alternatives you will be fine. October still provides you with opportunities to get ahead, but because Mercury will be in retrograde from 24th September-15 October, things will take longer to come together.

1st October 2008 - 31st October 2008
Despite Mercury's retrograde motion October is one of the most upwardly-mobile periods of 2008. Of course, the Celestial Goat is a patient creature so you won't mind having to wait a little longer to see the results of your labours, will you? Endeavours you initiate during the week of the 6th should take you where you want to go and offers and opportunities arising then should be seized. Jupiter's powers of increase can translate as inflation, however, so during this same week keep your eye on the economy and do your best to diffuse any potential disagreements. The full moon of the 14th cuts across the axis of life-direction so issues to do with parents and parenting could spring into the spotlight. The full moon could also be the sign you have been waiting for regarding the sale of a property or a signal of impending job changes. On the 15th Mercury turns direct so from this point you should be off and running. Friends and colleagues can be enlisted to help with projects and social occasions, and some Capricorns could be putting together an ambitious business venture. With all this emphasis on getting your material world in shape, romance may have to take a back seat. And, if, indeed, someone's feelings seemed to have cooled, bide your time because all this could change late next month.

1st November 2008 - 30th November 2008
This is the most important month in the astrological calendar this year. Why? The Saturn-Uranus opposition becomes exact for the first time in its two-year cycle, and Pluto enters your sign where it will stay for the next sixteen years. Saturn is your ruling planet so its opposition to Uranus plays a crucial part in taking you in new directions. Since you are a sign that values tradition and upholds the status-quo you are going to experience some resistance to the new and the different but as I explain in my article here on Astrolutely, change has to take place, like it or not. In practical terms the early part of November could put a spanner in the works regarding a long-term strategy: maybe someone has to pull out of an agreement or circumstances beyond your control bring to an end a contract. Whatever the ups and downs of the first half of November, you need to see events as part of a much bigger process -somehow you have lost your true direction and a correction needs to take place. Add to this Pluto's arrival in your sign (27th) and the December Capricorns especially have some major re-shuffling and regrouping to perform. Fortunately, Venus is on a mission to make life happier, more successful and certainly more loving when she enters your sign on the 12th. If you're single you may meet someone special before mid-December and if you're in a long-term partnership this will be sweetened by focusing on the romance of relationship as opposed to the work of relationship! (By the way, if you're ready to propose, make a plan to do so on the weekend of the 29th November or 1st December when Venus will be conjunct Jupiter.) A repeat of the Jupiter-Saturn trine on the 21st could bring an opportunity that arose in early September back on the table, and this is certainly a date around which to make a move intended to add to your material lot.

1st December 2008 - 31st December 2008
Each December begins with the sun closeted in the hyper- sensitive twelfth house, so if you are feeling one degree under and being kept out of the loop, you'll know why. The plus side to a twelfth house transit is that your intuition is razor sharp and if you pay attention to your dreams you'll find a volume of information there. Put a red ring around the 12th in your diary because this is a high- stress day and the freer you keep your schedule and the less you allow your emotions to become engaged, the better. It may be that you have been unaware of a certain state of affairs or that you have been too preoccupied with other matters to deal with a potential difficulty; if so it is this mid- month period that will bring matters to a head. This could also prove to be a trying day for travel. The sun enters your sign on the 21st and within twenty- four hours makes its first conjunction to Pluto. Transformation is the buzzword here, especially if you have a December birthday, and it is a process that will be going on for the next eighteen months. You are changing deep at your core, with the result that you are attracting people and situations into your life that will challenge you. And, by the way, challenge does not mean that the people or the situations will be 'bad', just that they will awaken dormant emotions and latent talents; they will cause you to find resources you didn't know you had. A Mercury- Jupiter conjunction in your sign sees out 2008 - perfect for a fantastic party, and possibly some very happy news indeed.

1st January 2009 - 31st January 2009
The new year starts well so enjoy the wind in your sails while you have it. Indeed, you should make those all-important phone calls and take those plans off the drawing board and bring them into reality as soon as you can. On the 11th, a full moon and Mercury's turning retrograde slow you down and give you pause for thought. A relationship or a financial matter is probably the reason for any hiatus but with Jupiter beginning its year-long cycle of the zone of money and self-worth, it will not be long before you are on the road to recovery. The full moon completes a cycle for your love life in particular and relationships in general so it would be appropriate to tie up loose ends and, if necessary, close the door on a working or romantic association. On the other hand, as a new wave comes in, you will be ready to embark on relationships that are different and more reflective of the person you have become. You may find also a deal that was on the table but stalled is back in business, and there is much to be gained in reconnecting with people and institutions that were once very much a part of your life. The last week of January is full of change and the unexpected – great if you yourself want to make an impulse move but not so wonderful if you are on the receiving end of a surprise decision. Be flexible and philosophical.

1st March 2009 - 31st March 2009
Whatever the weather is doing you should be out and about in March. One of the key travel areas of your solar chart is in high focus so if you're not heading away from home you could be making plans for trips in the future. Dialogues and meetings are also on the agenda and although you may enjoy the exchanges of ideas and opinions, it will be difficult not to run into some road blocks of the Saturn-Uranus variety. (More about this shortly.) The first week of the month puts mysterious Neptune centre stage, leading to confusion, even some lies and deceit; while you don't want to become overly paranoid you will need to double-check information and go through paper work and legal material with a fine tooth comb. A disappointment is possible in early March but once you assimilate everything you may find that there are serious benefits to the new status quo. So, Saturn and Uranus... There is a slow process of change going on in parts of your life – old patterns are fading and new ones being created - but you're not quite there yet. Each and every time you meet with opposition, rather than continuing to press your case, you need to re-frame the situation – once you see something in a different way, it will change the outcome. Pluto is another planet to be reckoned with this month. On or near the 22nd expect an epiphany of some description, and if you have important events already in your diary for late March, know that they will change more than your hair-colour!

1st February 2009 - 28th February 2009
As February comes in there is excitement in the air. The solar eclipse of the 26th opened a new chapter, first and foremost regarding finances and, second, your love life. Capricorn is not usually given to huge demonstrations of emotion but something looks set to get your pulse racing. By the 14th there will be a total of five planetary bodies in the zone of self-worth: in some cases, celebrations are due because of a lucky financial break or a happy romantic event yet in other cases it seems expectations have exceeded reality and some kind of rationalization process needs to happen. Neptune and Jupiter alternately raise and dash hopes and somehow you have to find that middle ground, maintaining faith in your actions and projects on the go but also continually forming back-up plans. Especially around the 5th and 12th the fates are in full flow, and favourable outcomes cannot be guaranteed. The second half of February is sweeter all round, so it may be that you can set an endeavour back on track or what seemed so in doubt earlier in the month performs a complete turn-around. You may also find that getting away from home ground does you a power of good. A combination of Mercury-Jupiter and a new moon (24th/25th) points to new horizons.

1st April 2009 - 30th April 2009
New starts are the theme for April. The sun will be passing through the zone of life-foundations urging you to lay down the flagstones of new ventures and to strengthen those things that support and sustain you. There could be a strong focus on family, maybe because of a gathering of the clans over Easter or through events in the lives of one or more of its members. The full moon of the 9th ends a chapter, which makes this an appropriate time for a teary celebration or to resolve any long-standing issues. And if you're about to move home, expect to feel rather more emotional about the event than you had expected. Travel could be on your agenda too, and a last moment trip could have to be made on or near the 15th. This same mid-month period is ripe for changes of one sort or another so if you are meeting people for business or pleasure then, don't be surprised if the dialogue takes you in some new and very unexpected directions. This could be a good month for money matters so if you have had rather a lean time of it recently, prepare to enjoy making and spending the lovely stuff. And for some there could be very good news about a property or an investment on or near the 23rd.

1st May 2009 - 31st May 2009
Some of the pressure may be taken off your shoulders and you can afford to have a less driven approach to life. The sun will be moving through the pleasure dome of the fifth house, encouraging you to get out and about and to express your creativity any which way you choose. And while the patter of tiny feet may not be on every Capricorn's agenda, it's the little things in life that matter most in May. Mercury is retrograde for almost the entire month so you might as well put some of those projects you've been working on in the pending file and use the time more creatively... Money and property could be the main source of concern, if only because someone seems to have got their sums wrong. Financial muddles easily happen so at the first sign of an anomaly – either with a negotiation or a payment – deal with it. If you do by any chance lose out on a job or a sale/purchase, this might not turn out to be the end of the matter: once Mercury gets back on track (31st) some decisions will be reversed. Venus and Mars will be doing their best to perk up your sex life, and a make-over on home territory (or is that a make-up?) could be a beautiful thing.

1st June 2009 - 30th June 2009
One of the best things you can do this month is take a look at which activities, duties and commitments are adding to your quality of life and which are not. It's time to streamline and gain some energy and freedom. And this theme also applies to your health. Whatever niggles you may have require attention and if you've been looking in the mirror and wondering who that person is gazing back at you, the moment has come to get behind a new diet and exercise programme. (Strike while the astrological iron is hot, and you'll be successful.) Events on or near the 5th and 17th could bring a lingering problem to crunch point, and reluctant as you may be to abandon a situation it may be the very best thing – positive change comes in the wake of any loss. This sentiment may also be applicable to the events of the last nine days of June. The new moon of the 22nd falls in the area of relationships and is immediately followed by an opposition to Pluto: endings and beginnings are the theme here and, especially if you have a December birthday, you could be looking at the start of a powerful new relationship or the demise of a long-standing association. Endings and beginnings...

1st July 2009 - 31st July 2009
If you wake up on July 1st with an eerie feeling in your solar plexus, it's probably due to the forthcoming eclipses (7th and 22nd) that could change a small or large part of your existence. Towards the end of June, Pluto made an impact on your horoscope so events could have preceded my forecast and you may be dealing with a situation that is demanding and transformational. Other people are the catalysts of change, whether you are falling in love with them, going into business with them or doing your best to get away from them. And even in a less direct way other people are the cause of life's ups and downs. If a contract comes to an end or an offer is on the table, consider the eclipses are serving their purpose and helping destiny do its job, and, in a way, all roads take you where you're supposed to go. You've only got to look about you, at events across the world, to see the way these alignments are creating both tumult and triumph, so although someone else's misfortune or great good luck doesn't impact on your life you may gain much from seeing your experience in the context of a much bigger picture.

1st August 2009 - 31st August 2009
Your life is not exactly your own. You appear to be dependent on other people's feelings, whims and the events that happen to them. It's a complex kind of month, and one in which you'll need to pay attention to details and subtleties. Alignments involving Pluto begin and end August so these will be peak times for heartfelt declarations and big-time changes, especially if you have a 21/22 December birthday or planets/points on the first degree of Capricorn. And with Venus in the zone of relating the reason for any changes or major developments is likely to be a relationship. Maybe you're about to meet 'the One' or make a long-term commitment to the one you love; on the other hand, if you're ready to jump ship, so to speak, early and late August could be the moment push comes to shove. The lunar eclipse of the 6th is another key event: once again relationships are in the frame and also finances. This would be an appropriate time to end a financial arrangement or to recognize that you are carrying unnecessary financial responsibilities – it's a time of reckoning and getting back in balance. Should a difficulty arise around this date, while there could be many options to choose from, cutting your losses should certainly be in there. Travel could be on the menu but you will have to exert patience with transport and other travellers, especially on or near the 6th, 11th, 17th and 21st. Then again these same dates could coincide with wonderful surprises and nostalgic moments.

1st September 2009 - 30th September 2009
Isn't it time you left home turf behind and started exploring new territory? Travel and widening horizons are the theme of the month so if you're not boarding a train, a boat or a plane, you should be creating ambitious blue-prints for the future and considering where your current activities are taking you. Mercury, the planet of travel and communication will be retrograde, so you may run into some delays and diversions along the way but if you have a yen to go back to people or places you once knew and loved, follow your instincts. There could be a good reason why you're being pulled backwards in time. But back to that notion of new territory. Roads run out when you're under a Pluto transit (and if you're a December Cappy or you have planets/points in the early degrees of your sign this you may know all too well) and the only way forward is by forging a new path, which carries risk and anxiety. This trend will be very active from the 20th – 27th, by the way. While you need some kind of encouragement that you are doing the right thing, it may be very difficult acquiring guarantees and security blankets in this current climate. What you need to rely upon is your innate resourcefulness. Experience must have taught you that what seemed unwanted and to your detriment at the time turned into the very best thing.

1st October 2009 - 31st October 2009
If you find yourself questioning the direction of your life, you're perfectly in synch with your stars. The area of career and ambitions is in the frame, whether people in positions of power are directing your course or you are taking it upon yourself to make some serious moves. The full moon of the 4th brings a year-long cycle to an end – one related to where you're headed in life – so this is an appropriate time to close a door and refocus your energies. The weekend of the 10th could turn out to be a watershed, and even if the climate is somewhat stormy events will do you many favours in the long run. The period on or near the 8th and 13th should clarify a situation and in some cases you'll be getting an official stamp on a matter; on the other hand, it may be evident that a project or association is in trouble. Just what action you take is up to you but with Saturn arriving on the Mid-heaven of your solar chart on the 29th you really don't need to be weighed down by anyone who or anything that isn't showing a glimmer of potential. On the 13th, Jupiter turns direct in one of your key money zones so if you're ready to make a big investment, whether in terms of finance, effort or emotions, you have the green light. Over the nest two to three years, Saturn's transit of the tenth solar house will consolidate many things in your life: a major career step for some Capricorns, retirement for others and for all an opportunity to establish yourself in some way. You'll have to work for it, of course, but would you have it any other way?